Hans Vanaken: "Fair to say this is a tour de force"
We are getting used to it, but it is astounding what Hans Vanaken brings to the pitch each and every game. He wasn't surprised by the quality the team brings on games like this. "Earlier on in this campaign we have shown we can set our foot next to that of any team. I am surprised that we are able to set aside Atalanta in this way. A team that was close to making it to that Top 8, getting a draw at Barcelona. It's fair to say that this is a tour de force."
March will be abrim with fixtures for an already highly solicited Club side. Club's skipper also sees the up side: "The busier we get, the more positive that is. We reward ourselves with our performances. It can only be a good thing for Belgian football." Vanaken hopes to see some more upsets on Thursday.
Trying to enjoy the moment is what's on Vanaken's mind right now. "We will be heading for our hotel now, have a bite to eat, and something to drink. We should enjoy this. Come tomorrow, we're already heading back for Belgium. It's crucial to get that recovery now, and I'm fortunate to being able to get to sleep easily after a game."
Simon Mignolet: "Long time since I last had goosebumps on the pitch"
When the going gets tough, Club can always count on its legend manning goal. “Just before that penalty, I headed for Wouter Biebauw. I didn't expect Lookman to take it as he had been out some time. Fortunately that VAR intervention allowed me some time to check in with him, and it paid off for us. But it's astounding, and it's not over for us in the Champions League. This is beyond belief, we're going through. To me, this is even more beautiful than two years ago when we made it to the second round.”
Mignolet also had a clear take on the game: “We started out great, and managed to defend well inside the box. We all executed our job. You knew they would start coming in the second half, but when the ball went through that defense, I was still there." he couldn't keep from sending kudos to his team mates.
Reaching the next round in the Champions League two seasons ago, Club has now taken the next step. “You can see that we made quite some headway throughout the years and have taken steps. We were equal to our opponents, and now our football was great too. We show that we can make it far. A well-deserved qualification.”
An adrenalin-filled night for the Club family. You would think someone like Mignolet who has seen it all would be unphased, but he still felt quite emotional. “I won't be catching sleep easily. It has been some time since I last had goosebumps on the pitch, so I'm taking that feeling with me for a couple more hours, keeping me from getting to sleep soon”, one of the stars of the evening concluded with a broad smile on his face.
Chemsdine Talbi: "We have many qualities, and we showed that today"
The first leg's MVP confirmed that great performance with two goals at Bergamo. It's fair to say Talbi has had a massive impact as Club progresses in the Champions League. “I'm thrilled with my two goals, but also with the win. We were good today. I'm not surprised by how we played, we know what we are capable of.”
Chemsdine did not forget his colleagues, praising the work ethic and qualities of this seasoned team. “We harbour so many qualities, and we showed it today. Even if we're a smaller team in Europe. We showed what we've got, and we want to continue for as long as we can. We are very eager to also win the next games.”
After a fiery first half, Club's new star was taken off early on in the second. “It was agreed like that with the physical coach. I was a bit tired, but fortunately our selection has a lot of good players on the bench too,” he concluded before greeting the fans.
Nicky Hayen: "Another complete performance"
History was made as Club sailed past Atalanta towards the UCL Round of 16. An upbeat coach Hayen was prime witness to what had been a five star performance by his team.
"Our game plan was a copy of last week's", a beaming coach kicked off. "We had to believe in our own gameplay, and try to make the most of the space offered in their back. You can only do so by running deep, and that's what we did with great timing today. It provided us with a very comfortable lead, albeit a bit flattered, 0-3 at half time. We knew that they would try and overrun us in the second half. What you don't want to see happen is that they score straight away. It's a matter of survival from then on. A pivotal moment was that penalty saved by Simon (Mignolet). After that we defended with everything we've got, and in the end we're so relieved to be going through."
Just before that third visiting goal, Club was in the eye of the storm. "Absolutely, and that's something we also touched upon at half time. It could have been 1-2, but right at that moment it's 0-3. Compliments to the team too, as it first hit the post, then Simon (Mignolet) saves that ball and someone else clears it from the goal line. We praised them for it, as everyone really threw their body at the ball. Every single shooting opportunity they had, we tried to block. To boot, those coming on also gave it their all, and those not coming on also proved very positive. So once again this has been a complete performance."
Club has now made it to the best 16 teams in Europe. Gasp. "The moment will come that I'll have to pinch myself. In the end, I'm happy for the Club, for the supporters, the team, the players, staff,... that we have been able to achieve this. Everyone's doing their darndest, and this is just a reward for that day-to-day hard work we put in every single day. We'll be enjoying this tonight, but Sunday will be there soon. We are living towards these games, but you sometimes lack the time to truly savour these moments. But let's try and do so tonight."
One final question to the coach, as to how he will be heading for bed tonight. "I'm still down-to-earth. We're writing history, in this new format. People keep telling me this, and it's something I'm proud of, but maybe it still has to seep in. I'm just happy for the team, and in the end I'm just so proud to be able to work with these players every day. You get those games, just like the one at STVV, when you're 2-0 down at half time, and you come down on them like a ton of bricks. When you then see them pick themselves up like that... That's what you're doing it for", an honored Nicky Hayen concluded.
Ardon Jashari: "We did so well together"
What. A. Game! by Ardon Jashari, rewarded with the Player Of The Match award. "There are so many players we could hand this award really. We did so well together. This wasn't an easy game, we were put under pressure often. It is a dream come true for me to winning this trophy, but this one's for the entire team. I really don't mind who will be meeting with in the next round, I haven't thought about it all that much. If we can keep up this high level of quality, anything's possible!"