The Colombian underlined his status as the world's best centre forward with the five goal salvo in his team's 6-0 win.

"His people love him, his team mates respect him a great deal and they follow his lead on the pitch," Simeone said. "Today is an historic day for him,.

"I don't know if any other Atletico player will score five goals in a match. I hope that's the case. Falcao represents ambition, excitement, always wanting more. When the game allows and he has his chances he really is very difficult to mark."