“I really have to say we played against the best team I have faced in my whole career, it was unbelievable how they played,” said Simeone.

“It was great to see my team play with such intensity.

“When Bayern missed their penalty, we had a good chat in the half-time break and we coped with the pressure they put on us in the second half.

“We achieved our goal, we have seen that we are a very strong team, but we were really good defensively.”

Simeone also singled out Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Neuer for their saves to deny Mueller and Torres respectively.

“They were two great saves by the goalies, I have to say how difficult it is to cope with this situation at Bayern, playing away from home. It’s unbelievable what we have achieved,” said Simeone.

“Now we have beaten three of the strongest teams in Europe.”

Having lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final, Atletico will now bid for their first European crown at the third attempt having also lost the 1974 final — to Bayern.

“This is another chance for us to win the Champions league final. We have 15 days to prepare and whoever gets through to the final will be just as prepared,” replied Simeone when asked if he would prefer to play Real or City in the final.