Diego Simeone has praised his Atletico Madrid side for playing an "intelligent" game in the 1-0 victory over AC Milan on Wednesday night.

Atletico hold the advantage at the halfway stage in the Champions League last-16 tie thanks to Diego Costa's late goal in the San Siro, and Simeone was happy with how his players survived extended spells of pressure from the hosts.

"We kept ourselves in the game and the goal we scored allowed us to get the result we were hoping for," the Argentine told Sky Sport Italia.

"We took advantage of the moment we created. I think in the second half we played an intelligent game."

Atletico face Milan in the second leg on March 11.