Atletico boss Simeone hopeful of doing ‘the impossible’ against Real

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is not giving up after his team was beaten 3-0 by city rivals Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

A hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo saw Los Blancos past Atlético, handing Madrid an imposing lead ahead of next week’s second leg.

Simeone was left to lament the “spaces we left behind”.

“In the second half, we had more ball, played further up the field, didn’t generate chances and the spaces we left behind, obviously they’re very strong with important players and they did a lot of damage, particularly when it came to finishing the chances they had,” he said.

Read Also: UCL: Ronaldo scores hat-trick as Real thrash Atletico

“This game is over, Saturday we have another match to play in La Liga (against Eibar). Football is marvellous because it always gives us the unexpected.

“So I believe we still have a chance.”

The Argentine coach looked to rally his players and fans, as he insists Atletico are capable of overturning the seemingly bleak situation when they file out for the return leg at home.

“I don’t feel disappointed or angry. I feel a great sense of calm, more than ever,” Simeone added.

“Calm, ready to prepare for Saturday’s match, and then trying to do something that is impossible because we are called Atletico Madrid, and we can pull it off.”

The semifinal second leg will hold next week Wednesday, as the home side will be seeking to stop Real for the first time in four Champions League seasons.

 

 

 

 

 

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