Simeone Still Bitter Over Champions League Exit, Eyes Bounce-Back
Madrid – Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone is still feeling the sting of his team’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, deeming the loss “unfair.” Despite the setback, and a subsequent defeat to FC Barcelona, Simeone insists his squad is ready to rebound as they prepare to face Espanyol Barcelona.
Contentious Champions League Elimination Fuels Simeone’s Frustration
Atlético madrid suffered a Champions League round of 16 defeat against Real Madrid. The match concluded in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 aggregate score, and was marked by a controversial penalty decision against Atlético’s Julián Álvarez.
“no, just one,” Simeone stated, referring to recent setbacks in a press conference when asked about consecutive blows to the team. “As we won the frist one, and then the penalty, we left it suspended. The penalty that Julian (Alvarez) apparently touched twice… We didn’t lose in the Champions League; we were eliminated. The other was strange. The first match, as I told you, I don’t think it was fair.”
Barcelona Loss a Sting, but Recovery is the Focus
Adding to the frustration, Atlético Madrid then lost to FC Barcelona in a La Liga match where they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2.
“In the second match (against Barcelona), we did an enormous job. We played very well until the 70th or 75th minute, then the opponent managed to dominate us and go from 2-0 to 2-4,” Simeone explained. “It was tough, but we are back. We are back with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. I went to Argentina to see my family, my birthplace, the place where I grew up, and to absorb the energy of my people.”
Facing Espanyol: A Chance to Rebound
atlético Madrid will play against Espanyol Barcelona in La Liga. Simeone is hoping the match allows his team to regain momentum following recent disappointments.
What did Simeone mean when he said Atlético “didn’t lose” in the Champions League?
Simeone Still Bitter Over Champions League Exit, Eyes Bounce-Back
Madrid - Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone is still feeling the sting of his team’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, deeming the loss “unfair.” Despite the setback, and a subsequent defeat to FC Barcelona, Simeone insists his squad is ready to rebound as thay prepare to face Espanyol Barcelona.
Contentious champions League Elimination fuels Simeone’s Frustration
Atlético Madrid suffered a Champions League round of 16 defeat against Real Madrid. The match concluded in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 aggregate score, and was marked by a controversial penalty decision against Atlético’s Julián Álvarez.
“No, just one,” simeone stated, referring to recent setbacks in a press conference when asked about consecutive blows to the team.”As we won the first one, and then the penalty, we left it suspended. The penalty that Julian (Alvarez) apparently touched twice… We didn’t lose in the Champions League; we were eliminated. The other was strange. The first match, as I told you, I don’t think it was fair.”
Barcelona Loss a Sting, but Recovery is the Focus
Adding to the frustration, Atlético Madrid then lost to FC Barcelona in a La Liga match where they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2.
“In the second match (against Barcelona), we did an enormous job. We played very well untill the 70th or 75th minute, then the opponent managed to dominate us and go from 2-0 to 2-4,” Simeone explained. “It was tough,but we are back. we are back with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. I went to argentina to see my family, my birthplace, the place where I grew up, and to absorb the energy of my people.”
Facing Espanyol: A Chance to Rebound
Atlético Madrid will play against Espanyol Barcelona in La Liga. Simeone is hoping the match allows his team to regain momentum following recent disappointments.
Q&A: Atlético Madrid’s Road to recovery
Why is Simeone so upset about the Champions League exit?
Simeone believes the loss to Real Madrid was “unfair,” particularly due to a controversial penalty decision that contributed to the shootout defeat. The 2-2 aggregate score meant the game was incredibly close.
What was the controversial penalty about?
The penalty in question involved Atlético Madrid player Julián Álvarez. The referee’s decision was that Alvarez apparently touched the ball twice. Such a decision is rare and, in such a high-stakes match, understandably frustrating.
What went wrong in the Barcelona match?
Atlético Madrid held a two-goal lead but conceded four goals in the latter stages of the match, losing 4-2. Simeone noted his team played well until the 70th-75th minute, suggesting fatigue or a shift in Barcelona’s tactics played a crucial role in the turnaround.
How does Simeone plan to help the team recover?
Simeone traveled to Argentina to visit his family and recharge, hoping to bring back renewed energy and enthusiasm to the squad. He wants to transmit his drive to the players.
What are Atlético Madrid’s chances against Espanyol?
The match against Espanyol Barcelona provides a chance for Atlético Madrid to regain momentum and build confidence.La Liga matches are always intense, but this represents the chance to show they can overcome the setbacks.
With Simeone’s determination and a desire to bounce back, Atlético Madrid’s upcoming match against Espanyol Barcelona will be a crucial test of their resilience and potential for a triumphant season.
