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Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said a "fantastic game" from Roma goalkeeper Alisson was the reason their Tuesday night Champions League Group C opener in the Italian finished goalless. Atletico had plenty of chances to score through the 90 minutes, with Saul Niguez hitting a post after just two minutes, and Koke's effort somehow cleared off the line by Kostas Manolas with Alisson saving Antoine Griezmann's follow-up before half-time. After the break Luciano Vietto, Angel Correa (twice), Yannick Carrasco and Saul were all denied by the Brazil No. 1, and rojiblanco boss Simeone told BeIn Sports after the game that he was happy with his team's performance even if they had been unable to find a way past Alisson. "Their goalkeeper tonight had a fantastic game," Simeone said. "I am happy with what we did, with our intensity, the way we went for the game. We were just lacking a goal, the most important. But we are leaving with a positive sensation. "We had clear chances in the first half to score. In the second half more again. When Koke's was cleared we knew it might not be our night, as normally those go in. But the point is also useful for us." The night's other Group C game saw Chelsea hammer outsiders Qarabag 6-0 at Stamford Bridge, with the reigning Premier League champions visiting Atletico's new Wanda Metropolitano ground in the next round of games in a fortnight's time. Atleti midfielder Koke told BeIn Sports after the game that his team were on balance satisfied with the result, and looking forward to the first outing at the Wanda when Malaga visit next Saturday in La Liga. "We played well, did everything we could to score a goal," Koke said. "Their goalkeeper, the defender on the line, the post. We are on the right path, Roma are a great team, and we played a good game. This is a tough group, with Roma and Chelsea as well. "We got a point here today, which is not easy, and must now continue like this. We have a game in La Liga now, and really want to play in front of our own fans, after all our games were away so far." Midfielder Thomas Partey, again chosen to start in midfield, said that his team had deserved more but just been unable to find the goal their performance deserved. "We tried everything and played a good game, but unfortunately we were not able to score," Thomas said. "We should have won tonight. We knew this was not an easy place to come, we pushed them back, but were unable to find that goal. "A point away from home is a lot for us, we must keep going and think about the next game." Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco was left to question his players' fitness, which he said made the difference between the sides. "I honestly am wondering myself why we aren't better in terms of fitness levels," he said. "If you look at the players who held out better, they were Diego Perotti and Juan Jesus, who were at preseason training with me. "I think with consistency and hard work, we'll get in better shape, but we will evaluate it and try to improve the fitness levels, which in my view were decisive." But he claimed not the hear any of the discontent in the crowd as Atletico were able to control much of the game. "I didn't hear any jeers," Di Francesco said. "We were facing a strong side like Atletico, we had a little luck at the end, getting back perhaps the luck we missed against Inter, and the goalkeeper made some great saves. "I was forced to change system, as we could no longer contain their runs, but we did find more balance. "It's important not to misplace passes, then at a certain stage Alisson was decisive. He's a fine goalkeeper and we're glad to have him with us."
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