MILAN, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- AC Milan head coach Clarence Seedorf said he was proud of his side despite their 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid at home on Wednesday.
Milan looked on course for a well-deserved draw after having the better chances in the match and hitting the woodwork twice, however Diego Costa struck his fifth goal in four Champions League games in the 83rd minute to win the Champions League round-of-16 first-leg clash.
"I think everyone saw what the lads did on the field. I am proud of what they did," Seedorf said.
"In the last 20 minutes we lost our intensity and Atletico started to get closer, even without creating that many chances," he said.
"We were a little unlucky with the goal, but I saw some very good responses in the first half," he added.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone admitted Milan played better in the first half.
"We knew that we'd be facing an intense Milan, especially in the first half. We started well, then started losing the ball too often and suffered down the right flank," he said.
"Everyone knows when you reach the knockouts any mistake can get you eliminated."
"We are aware of what we've got and what we don't. That is the strength of this team over the last two years, as we know our limitations and build on what we can do," he added.