MADRID, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores praised his players after they qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey on a thrilling night in the Vicente Calderon stadium.

    Atletico went into the match needing to overturn a 3-0 first leg defeat against Recreativo Huelva.

    They looked to be cruising as Simao Sabrosa, Kun Aguero and Ufalusi scored in the first half to level the score. Aguero's close range shot was deflected home just past the hour to make it 4-0 and Atletico looked to be safe, only for Carlos Carmona to then score a vital away goal for Recreativo Huelva.

    Atletico looked to be on the way out of the competition when Pablo Assuncao was shown a second yellow card, but Simao' s free kick seven minutes from time gave Atletico a 5-1 win and sent the home fans into raptures.

    "Today we saw excitement and hope. It was thrilling an emotional and we dedicate the win to the fans," said Quique on the Atletico website

    The Atletico coach had words for Assuncao, who as well as being sent off, was also at fault in the Recreativo goal.

    "We had done the hardest part and it was a moment to try and calm the game down. The player who had until then had a spectacular performance made an error, but the rest of the team responded for him," he said.

    "Tonight we excited the fans and now we are in a better position, but we have to remain prudent and think about the next match," he added.

    Atletico now plays another second division side - Celta Vigo - for a place in the semi-finals, but Quique tried to keep his feet on the ground.

    "We shouldn't get overconfident because we are our own worst enemies," he concluded.