John Stones admits Manchester City expected Atletico Madrid's antics as his side stayed cool to reach the Champions League quarter-final.
City drew 0-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano to progress 1-0 on aggregate, with Atletico ending the second leg with ten men in a hot-tempered ending to the tie. After Felipe kicked out at Phil Foden, Stefan Savic steamed in to spark a melee, while he was involved in a post-match argument with Jack Grealish in the tunnel. Marcos Llorente also appeared to be arguing with Aymeric Laporte as both sets of players and staff came together again.
There were eight yellow cards, including Felipe's two, and more punishments may follow for the post-match scenes. Such provocation was expected, though, according to Stones, who praised City's temper and control in the hostile atmosphere.
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"We know sometimes they try and make things like that happen, we dealt with it really well," he told BT Sport. "It's not nice to talk about it. Over two legs we played incredibly against an experienced team in what they do.
"I'm so proud of the lads how we kept our control, our tempers. It's easy to get drawn into things.
"We're happy to be through and it's a great night. We knew it's not an easy place to come, a hostile environment.
"The boys who've been here before and played against some of their players, it was a difficult night all round. How we defended and controlled ourselves was incredible."
Stones also praised the whole squad, with substitutes Raheem Sterling, Nathan Ake and Fernandinho all playing important roles. "The lads off the bench, an incredible impact," he added unprompted.
"I say it all the time, over the six years I've been here that's why we've been successful, everyone plays their part and is ready when called upon.
"Phil [Foden] was such a threat in both games, he made an instant impact in first game and tonight how he drove us up the pitch, bought fouls, he was outstanding. He's feeling it after the game."
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