Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Barcelona loss – ‘I should have…’

Barcelona’s dramatic 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, including two stoppage-time goals, left Atletico manager Diego Simeone with little to reproach his players for, despite their second defeat in four days.

Atletico had a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes to go but couldn’t manage the game effectively, allowing Barcelona to mount a comeback.

Simeone acknowledged that Barcelona's decisive moments, including a quick response after their second goal, were pivotal. He admitted that he should have brought on Jose Maria Gimenez earlier to strengthen the defense.

Despite this setback, Simeone remained optimistic, focusing on upcoming matches, particularly against Espanyol, and rejecting the idea that fatigue from their Champions League exit had impacted their performance.

Atletico’s attention now shifts to the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona, with the second leg set to be crucial for their trophy hopes.