Diego Simeone happy for 'heroic' players

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone claimed that his players put in an 'heroic' effort after their Europa League semi-final victory over Valencia.

Adrian Lopez's goal earned Madrid a 1-0 win on the night at the Mestalla to see them progress through to next month's final 5-3 on aggregate.

"I am very happy, mainly for the players, who have made an enormous effort," said Simeone. "What they do is heroic."

Atletico will face fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao in the final in Bucharest on Wednesday, May 9.