The Atletico boss was delighted with the striker's two goals at Santiago Bernabeu and claimed he would not dare suggest his side have an edge over Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes Fernando Torres has gone some way to prove his doubters wrong after his double against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

The striker returned to Atletico this month on loan from AC Milan after a dismal spell with the Rossoneri and Chelsea, and was the hero for his side as his two goals on Thursday ensured a 2-2 draw and 4-2 aggregate win over the European champions.

"The arrival of Fernando Torres is good for us, although some people doubted it," Simeone told reporters after the match. "I'm happy for him and for all the people who came to welcome him at Vicente Calderon.

"We played a good game. We played against the best team in the world. It is normal defending near the box. We played an intelligent game. In the second half we did a very good job."

Madrid have now failed to beat their city rivals since the Champions League final last May, but Simeone claimed he would not dare suggest that Carlo Ancelotti's side have a mental block in the derby.

"We won La Liga last year against two teams that are obliged to win the Champions League and that's very difficult," he added. "I do not think Real Madrid are stuck against Atletico. I wouldn't dare to."

Atletico turn their attentions back to La Liga on Sunday, when they host Granada.