Diego Simeone, manager of Atletico Madrid, was happy with his team’s fighting attitude as they recovered from two goals behind to get a last-gasp 4-4 draw at Barcelona in an explosive first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday.
Simeone watched from the sidelines as forward Alexander Sorloth scored the equalising goal in a counter attack in the third minute of extra time, therefore saving his side.
“The attitude of this team really strikes me as absolutely outstanding. The Argentinean told a press conference: “There is an amazing gladiatorial spirit by the players that is inspirational.”
“Barcelona has amazing tools; but, everyone of us has our own and presents what we are made of on public display.
“The celebration on the fourth goal was simply an eruption of happiness. To equalise and leave the game level for the return leg on April 2, the 4-2 scoreline looked challenging to turn around and the players’ bravery was amazing.
“Always playing with the same mentality and with a very great spirit of competition, the team displayed great character and worked a very strong match.”
Diego Simeone expressed disappointment at Atlético Madrid’s two goals from corners, citing as inexcusable errors.
“A team like Barcelona cannot conclude a game without scoring a goal; what disturbs me is when they score two goals from set events. We have to fix this by both personal and group efforts, Simeone remarked.
“The game was not easy, though the guys displayed a competitive attitude that I find exciting.”
