Simeone praises ‘great team effort’ in Atlético’s win over Espanyol

Madrid, Spain – Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone hailed a “great team effort” after watching his side rally from an early deficit to defeat visiting RCD Espanyol 4-2 at the Metropolitano on Saturday night, a result the Argentine believes arrived at the perfect moment with a decisive Champions League encounter looming.

Speaking to reporters post-match, Simeone underlined the broader context of his squad’s season, noting encouraging form on the European and cup fronts even as league points have proved harder to accumulate. “We’re competing well in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey,” he said. “We’re far from the top in the league, but we’re trying not to slow down so we can finish as high as possible.”

The victory over Espanyol did not come easily. Atlético fell behind early, yet Simeone praised his players’ composure. “We started losing, but that didn’t upset the team; they kept looking for the game we wanted,” he explained. “We were in control throughout the match. The team’s overall performance gave us the chance to play the game we wanted to play. It was an important, necessary victory, especially in the league, and a great team effort.”

Tuesday’s trip to face Club Brugge in the Champions League now dominates the calendar, and Simeone is eager to carry Saturday’s momentum across the continent. “It’s always important to win before an important match like Tuesday’s,” he remarked. “From what I saw in Brugge’s line-up, they’ve played with quite a few substitutes in their league, they’ll have fresh players, it’s at 6:45 p.m. and we’ll have to be the same.”

The 53-year-old also issued a gentle plea to supporters, asking for patience and energy as fixtures stack up. “I’m not here to ask for anything at all. I’m grateful. I just ask that they understand our need for energy and that they give us energy.”

Individually, Simeone singled out several performers. One unnamed player “went from strength to strength, gradually finding himself in situations that he’s good at,” while midfielder Baena earned specific praise for a display that featured “hard work, vision, playing collectively, making plays.” Deployed almost as a double pivot or inside forward to link with Johnny, Baena provided what Simeone called “a fantastic assist” to Giuliano, underlining “the Baena we saw today” is precisely what Atlético require.

The coach also addressed the two Espanyol goals, attributing the opener to “a combination of luck and our misinterpretation of how to defend it” and the second to keeper Jan Oblak losing sight of the ball. A third near-miss came via the crossbar, but Atlético’s response ensured those moments did not prove costly.

Perhaps the loudest ovation of the night belonged to an unnamed forward who struck twice yet was denied a spectacular hat-trick only by the woodwork. “That’s football. That’s the wonderful thing about football,” Simeone said with a grin. “He had a spectacular game. It’s a shame he didn’t score the third, because that shot off the post was even better than the previous two.”

With three points secured and confidence restored, Atlético turn their attention to Belgium, hopeful the collective spirit displayed against Espanyol can fuel another pivotal victory.

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