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De Gea calls for calm

Image: Resino: Atletico have wobbled

David de Gea has urged his Atletico Madrid team-mates not give up on their UEFA Champions League dream.

Atletico keeper refusing to give up on European dream

David de Gea has urged his Atletico Madrid team-mates not give up on their UEFA Champions League dream and believes they should be looking to take maximum points from their fixture at Chelsea. The 18-year-old made his debut for Los Colchoneros in their 2-0 defeat against Porto on Wednesday night, after Roberto had to be stretchered off with a thigh injury. Abel Resino's Atletico drew with APOEL Nicosia in their first outing and the midweek loss means that the Blues and the Portuguese side have taken control in the group. However, De Gea remains optimistic regarding Atletico's chances of progressing to the knockout stages. "We have to fight hard to pull ourselves out of this situation and the most positive that we can all do is remain united," he told AS. "Now we have to go to Chelsea's ground looking to win because all is not lost."

Nervous

Despite conceding twice against, Porto de Gea earned many plaudits for helping to keep Atletico in the game, making a number of impressive saves which helped to settle his nerves. "At first I was a bit nervous because I was told to quickly warm up because I could go on, but then I did not and I calmed down and sat back down because Roberto stayed on," he said. "But then he was injured and I went on and I had some luck and made a couple of early saves only to then let in two goals. "To play for Atletico has always been my great dream and I never expected my debut to come against Porto."