Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says he could understand Sime Vrsaljko getting emotional after victory at Porto.

The 3-1 win sees Atletico secure qualification for the Champions League round of 16.

At the final whistle, Vrsaljko was in tears and Simeone said: "It makes me very happy for him, the whole second half he played with his face hurt and this is good when one tells the group that everyone is important and that whoever plays the least has to appear.

"He had played in preseason there. He has strength, speed, heading and inside passing and he met all the requirements."

Luis Suarez was also seen in tears early in the game after being forced off with an apparent knee injury.

Simeone added: "They have been at the club for ten years and the team always ends up exciting me even more. In the difficulties, without three centrals of the four, they showed that all are important."