Soccer-Early qualification delights Atletico coach Simeone

Soccer Football - Champions League - Group E - Feyenoord v Atletico Madrid - De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands - November 28, 2023 Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone during half time REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw/ File photo

ROTTERDAM (Reuters) - Securing qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League with one game still play in the group phase delighted Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone after their 3-1 away win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Tuesday.

Atletico remained top of Group E on 11 points after winning away in the competition for the first time since beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in March 2022.