As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Atletico Madrid captain Koke explains rejecting Real Madrid guard of honour: Nothing to do with sportsmanship

Atletico Madrid captain Koke has defended their decision not to grant Real Madrid a guard of honour before yesterday's 1-0 win.

The decision has been criticised in Spain, but Koke admits it was made out of respect to the Atleti support.

Koke said, "I have many friends at Real Madrid and I have congratulated everyone.

"It has nothing to do with sportsmanship. There was such a stir that we decided not to do it, there is no more. We went out to the game to win it and that's it."

Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak also said: "Today's victory is very important. The game was very complicated, Madrid have already become champions but they played well, they wanted the three points.

"We had many chances in the second half. We didn't finish off but luckily we endured with a clean sheet and one goal was enough. These are three important points in this fight for the Champions League."

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free