The Atletico Madrid supporters created a ferocious atmosphere at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday and Diego Simeone heaped praises on them as they beat Liverpool.
Liverpool were returning to the scene of their Champions League final triumph, but lost 1-0 on this occasion.
Ahead of the game, the home fans gave their players a warm reception by lighting flares to form a guard of honour for the team bus as it arrived and the noise continued inside.
Saul Niguez scored a fourth minute goal to give Atletico Madrid hope going into the second leg at Anfield.
The Atletico head coach said: “My side started winning when we came up the road leading to the stadium.
“We saw players who believed. We saw the beautiful side of football. The crowd and the side were a block as one.
“Winning breeds winning. The best way to feel strong is to win and that’s what we want to do. It was a very important win for the club tonight.
“In the eight years I’ve been here, I’ve not seen the crowd like that for the whole game. It was really emotional.
“It’s not the best night ever because we didn’t win a trophy but there are nights you don’t forget.
“The best side in the world came here, and we beat them. But it’s only one game down, one to go. Liverpool had their chances. They were dangerous, they’ve got good players all over the pitch.”
Klopp called on Liverpool fans to show the same fervour as the Atletico fans when the second leg comes around in three weeks’ time at their home ground.
He said: “I had no problem with the result. I saw so many happy faces from Atletico tonight, I get that because it’s a big win, but it’s not over yet. That’s the only thing I feel.
“The crowd wanted to help their team tonight. That makes it a very emotional game.
“Emotions are important. Tonight they were obviously completely on the side of Atletico but I am really looking forward to the second leg.
