Simeone Reflects on Missed Opportunities in Atletico Madrid’s Draw Against Rivals Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid’s manager, Diego Simeone, acknowledged that his team paid the penalty for failing to convert their opportunities in a fiery LaLiga derby against Real Madrid on Saturday, which ended in a draw after Kylian Mbappe equalised following Julian Alvarez’s early goal for the visitors.

Atletico struggled to capitalise on their chances despite starting the match brightly.

“We had an excellent first half, but lacked the sharpness needed to take advantage of the scoring opportunities we created,” Simeone stated during the post-match press conference.

“We could have handled those chances more effectively, and it ultimately cost us, despite feeling at times that we could have won the game.”

“When they scored early in the second half, it gave them momentum, and they started to play with more intensity, hitting the crossbar shortly thereafter.”

“After around 20 minutes, we managed to regain some control of the game and had our opportunities as well… It ended in a draw in a match where possibly both teams felt they deserved more.”

Simeone also commended referee Cesar Soto Grado amid the controversy surrounding the lead-up to the derby, following Real Madrid’s formal complaint regarding the officiating in the match.

Both teams raised concerns over certain decisions, with Atletico claiming a studs-up challenge on Pablo Barrios by Dani Ceballos warranted further scrutiny, while Real Madrid disputed the penalty awarded to Atletico for Aurelien Tchouameni’s foul on Samuel Lino, which was confirmed after a lengthy VAR assessment.

“I believe the referee managed it as best as he could,” Simeone remarked.

“Some may argue that Ceballos should have received a straight red card… I feel he should have at least reviewed it through VAR, but opinions may vary…

“Ultimately, he made his call, and the VAR team deemed it unnecessary to consult him further. Overall, I thought he did a commendable job.”

Real Madrid currently sits atop LaLiga with 50 points, one ahead of Atletico in second place, who missed an opportunity to overtake them. Barcelona, lying in third with 45 points, will face Sevilla on Sunday, aiming to narrow the gap in the title race.