Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has praised three of his players for injecting much-needed energy into the team during their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against FC Barcelona.
The encounter, held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday, ended in a 2-1 defeat for Atletico Madrid. Despite the loss on the night, the Spanish side secured qualification for the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory, having earlier recorded a 2-0 win in the first leg.
Simeone specifically highlighted the contributions of Nico González, Álex Baena, and Alexander Sørloth. According to the Argentine tactician, their introduction into the game helped shift the tempo and provided the squad with renewed intensity.
Barcelona initially took control of the match through goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, placing Atletico under pressure. However, Ademola Lookman responded with a goal for the hosts, keeping their hopes alive and ensuring they maintained their aggregate advantage.
Reflecting on the match, Simeone noted that the second half displayed improved balance. He explained that introducing fresh legs in the form of Nico González, Baena, and Sørloth disrupted Barcelona’s rhythm, gradually reducing their attacking speed. This shift forced Barcelona to rely more on crosses aimed at defenders like Ronald Araújo and striker Robert Lewandowski.
Simeone also emphasized the evolution of his team over the years, pointing out a clear tactical identity. He stated that Atletico Madrid has become more effective in attack than in defense, making an offensive approach essential. According to him, committing to attacking football is not just a strategy but a necessity for the team’s continued success
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