A first-half brace from Colombian striker Radamel Falcao, his 29th Europa League goal in 29 games, and a Diego strike five minutes from time, secured the La Liga side their second European title in three years.

Atletico were 10th in the La Liga standings heading into the winter break and bowed out of the Copa del Rey at the hands of third-tier side Albacete prior to Simeone's arrived.

But despite turning the club's fortunes around, Simeone refused to take any more plaudits following their triumph in Bucharest.

Instead, he underlined the importance of the win for everyone involved with Atletico, especially the younger fans.

"Tomorrow, when the kids go to school, they will be able to put on the shirt of Atletico Madrid with pride and this is the most wonderful thing," the former Atletico midfielder said.

"The team performed very well and Radamel had an extraordinary match. But the credit goes to all of the players. We have been mapping the road for them but it is they who accomplish things.

"This is a great time to remember all those who have trusted in us."

Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa took full responsibility for his side's surprisingly poor performance against their Spanish compatriots.

Bilbao had beaten the likes of Manchester United and Schalke on the road to Wednesday's showdown in Romania but were no match for Atletico.

However, the Argentine said his team must now focus on their Copa del Ray final with Barcelona on May 25.

"We didn't expect a game like this, it was very different from what we had prepared. We'll have to get back on our feet for the Copa del Rey final but time will not make any difference in that sense," he said.

"I think this is a moment to reflect on the future, not to feel sorry about ourselves. I take full responsibility for the game we have played tonight. There has been an enormous difference between what we wanted to do and what we finally did."

"Yeah I am disappointed as you said we didn't play a good match and obviously it is my responsibility because I am responsible for the group of players that we didn't meet the target.

"That increases my disappointment, because with my job comes the responsibility."