Atletico Madrid's hopes of winning a trophy this season are over as they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey next Thursday night. a crushing defeat at the hands of Athletic Clubwho advanced to the final – where they will play Mallorca – after winning 4-0 on aggregate.
It was a desperately disappointing evening for Diego Simeone, whose wait to return to the final of the Copa del Rey continues (Atleti were the last in 2013). The Argentine coach assessed the 90 minutes at San Mames when he spoke to the media post-match, according to AS Diary.
“In this match, losing 3-0, it speaks a lot about the work they did, but there were nuances along the way. We started well, with three situations we could have done better, then the first one they scored , and the second goal. So it has already become difficult.
“With the enthusiasm of the 2-0 they were better until 3-0. Then we had Memphis, Saul, Riquelme with chances. We were never able to enter the game, we did not have an offensive force, we were weak in defense” .
For Simeone, the goal is now to secure a place in the top four of the League, which would have a round of Champions League football – Atleti will be in direct competition with Athletic for this place.
“We need to continue with the daily effort of what matters to the club, which is among the top four in the League.”
Atletico Madrid must now look ahead to Sunday's game against Real Betis, which gives them an immediate opportunity to return to winning ways.
