Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores says they defied their critics with success against Liverpool in their Europa League semi.

Flores' team have reached the final thanks to Diego Forlan's away goal at Anfield last night.

"No one would have expected this," said Flores.

"We are happy to represent our country and be Spain's only team in a European final.

"It was an amazing night. You can't come to Anfield without knowing you are going to suffer some difficult moments but we were the stronger side in extra-time and deserved to go through."