Atletico Too Strong For Zenit

[Folami David]

Atletico Madrid made a winning return in their first Champions League encounter for four years with a 3-1 victory over Zenit St Petersburg at the Vicente Calderon.
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Brazilian defender Miranda had headed the hosts into a deserved halftime lead, but Diego Simeone's men were pegged back at the start of the second period by a wonderful strike by Hulk.
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Atletico had the stroke of luck they needed 25 minutes from time though as the ball ricocheted around the Zenit area and struck Arda Turan on its way into the net.
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Leo Baptistao sealed the three points with his first goal for the club 10 minutes from time.
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"I was delighted with the reaction of the boys after the equaliser," Simeone told Canal Plus.
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"We had clear dominance of the game in the first- half, but we didn't have many clear chances at goal.
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"They then scored and had another shot against the bar, but the team clicked at that point and we got back in front.
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"We could have killed the game off earlier, but the third goal sealed it and I am very happy overall."
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It was a familiar feeling for Zenit as the Russians were also beaten in Spain on matchday one last season by Malaga, but in truth they deserved little more from a disappointing display that only sparked into life for a brief spell after halftime.

[Shola Sholaz]

The better team won @ the end of the day. Well deserved win!