Diego Simeone hails ballsy display as Atletico gain upper hand on Juventus

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone felt his side showed "balls" for the way they saw off Serie A leaders Juventus 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin struck in the space of five minutes late in the game at the Wanda Metropolitano.

During the celebrations for the opening goal in the 78th minute, Simeone turned to the home supporters and grabbed his crotch.

The Argentinian coach maintained it was a gesture to demonstrate the courage of the squad as well as key tactical decisions.

"It means we have balls, a lot of balls. To start (Diego) Costa and Koke after they hadn't played for a month takes balls," Simeone said, as reported by Sky Sport Italia.

"I did it as a player at Lazio and Bologna and I did it again to show our fans that we have 'cojones'.

"It wasn't aimed at the other team, I was turning towards our own supporters.

"It's not a nice gesture, I'll admit, but I felt the need to do it.

"It was such a tough game, we fought so hard and Diego Costa worked really hard when he wasn't 100 per cent fit.

"I had to show what I was feeling. I can only apologise if anyone was offended, but I did it from the heart."

Juventus will bid to overturn a two-goal deficit in the return leg in Turin on March 12.