Diego's goal against Barca shows Atletico's depth

PAUL LOGOTHETIS

MADRID (AP) — While Atletico Madrid stars Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois garner much of the praise for the team's success, fringe player Diego Ribas' mouthwatering goal against Barcelona showed how heavily the Spanish leader leans on its entire squad.

Diego Ribas' opportunities have been lacking since a January loan move from Wolfsburg, but the Brazilian midfielder came off the bench to replace injured striker Diego Costa and stun the Camp Nou with a rising shot from 25 meters in the 1-1 Champions League draw on Tuesday. Atletico holds the away goal advantage for the quarterfinal return leg next week.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone said Ribas was "annoyed at not getting in the lineup and working hard to get in, so I'm very happy for him. The team needs him."