Simeone: Champions League end with Atlético hardest day

Score average only 21/22 weaker

Diego Simeone has played 595 games as Atlético Madrid coach. In his eleven years with the “Colchoneros”, the Argentinian has already experienced a lot with various title wins or dramatic defeats in finals, but according to his own statements, the hardest day for him was the 2-2 win against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Champions League. “Yes,” Simeone said briefly on the night from Wednesday to Thursday when asked a question. Atlético is already out of the “premier class” after the 5th matchday.

The Spaniards came back twice from behind against the “Werkself” and Rodrigo de Paul equalized again in the 50th minute. Atlético pressed for the winning goal in the final stages and were even awarded a penalty late in injury time, which Yannick Carrasco missed. Atlético missed a chance to advance and are third in the group stage ahead of the final, thanks to which the Spaniards could at least feature in the Europa League.

“We didn’t expect that, but that’s the reality,” Simeone said. Atlético was last eliminated in 2017 in the group stage of the Champions League and then marched to the Europa League to win the title. It is in your own hands that Atlético hibernates internationally. Third place would be secured with a win at FC Porto, otherwise it depends on how bottom-placed Bayer plays against leaders Club Brugge.

In addition to Atlético, FC Barcelona and FC Sevilla are also out early, making Real Madrid the only Spanish side to feature in the knockout stages. That three Spanish clubs are eliminated in the group stage, is the first time in Champions League history. Simeone, who had stood thoughtfully in the center circle for a long time after the game, also showed himself to be combative. You can feel like a victim, “but I prefer to be strong,” he said. He does not doubt “that the Champions League is difficult for me”. His record from 94 games in the “premier class” reads positively: 46 wins, 23 draws and 25 defeats. He was “very determined and will continue to insist as long as I have the chance to be at this club (contract until 2024; ed.) to win the Champions League, which we lack”. In 2014 and 2016, Atlético only ended in the final against Real Madrid.

Simeone has a points average of 1.75 from 16 games across all competitions this season. Since his arrival in 2011, the score has only been lower in the last season (1.65). While Atlético have already been eliminated from the Champions League, they are third in LaLiga after eleven match days. They are eight points behind Real Madrid and five points behind FC Barcelona.

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