Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said his club will ‘suffer’ after going past Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final. Los Colchoneros took a four-goal lead at the Camp Nou, but found themselves defending a one-goal advantage in the final 20 minutes.
After the game, Simeone cut a loose figure, admitting that his strategy has been completely dismantled. Regarding the draw as a whole, Simeone said he knows that Barcelona can come back, and praised the performances of Pedri and Raphinha, who were absent in the first leg.
“I would focus on the first game. We had an unusual first half, with high speed and intensity. In the second half, we were able to resist their attack, and I left angry after that game. We could have scored another goal; we needed another goal if the game was against us. You can ask me how I can be angry after winning 4-0, but I know how talented Barcelona players are.”
“Today, Pedri and Raphinha are back, and they’re different, they play at a different pace, and they had a good first half. Although it’s sad that the goals came from not focusing on set pieces rather than open play. I thought we defended well overall. I don’t know if the 3-0 goal was offside or not; it put us in a difficult position.”
“I liked the introduction of Gimenez; he gave us maturity and confidence. We couldn’t play the game we would have liked, we attack too much down the right side, like the game between Llorente and Lookman. We couldn’t attack as we would have liked because of their ability. Our people need the final and we hope to give everything they want.”
‘We are destined to suffer’
Simeone explained that he felt his side had to do more going forward, but that suffering was still necessary.
“I wouldn’t agree, because we needed it and we were playing a better game offensively. We are Atletico, we are destined to suffer, we always push ourselves until we reach the end, but I don’t know what it will bring us, but believe me, the journey is fun.”
“Our fans needed a game like this.
In 2013, Diego Simeone was on the phone with his youngest son, Giuliano Simeone, after Atlético Madrid beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final at the Bernabéu.
Fast forward 13 years, and Diego and Giuliano are in the Copa del Rey together.
– Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 4, 2026
Griezmann’s future amid Orlando City’s attack
Arguably Atletico Madrid’s best player on the night was Antoine Griezmann, despite their offensive struggles. There is still speculation about moving to Orlando City, and Simeone was clear that he wants to play in the final.
“I hope so. He deserves more than anyone. His performance today was amazing, and his quality and talent will stay with him for the rest of his life. What else can I add to what you all know I feel for him? I love him, I always wish him the best, and I hope he can play in that final.”
Simeone: ‘We planned the game to attack’
The approach to be taken by Atletico Madrid was a big discussion before the game, with a big defensive effect. Simeone said his side had no intention of staying deep to hold on to their lead, and that was what Barcelona forced them into.
“We planned for the game to attack. And it didn’t happen, or it didn’t happen that much. The good thing about this game is that anything you can think of can happen, or not, because it depends on the opponent. The better player; they had a very high pressure in the first half. Kounde and Balde should have come out because their effort was great. coming.”
“They robbed us of the time we needed to play. At home, we had that time. We played with a lot of energy at that time. That’s why we scored four goals. Today was difficult. But I go with joy and a great effort to know how to suffer. It’s part of this competition when two legs are combined.”
‘I hope we will meet in the quarterfinals of the Champions League’
The mutual respect between Simeone and Hansi Flick was evident again, the two were seen chatting after the final whistle. If Atletico beat Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona get past Newcastle United in the Champions League Round of 16, these teams will meet for the fifth and sixth time this season.
“I told Flick that they played very well. I hope we meet in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. I think today, when the score was 3-0, I said: ‘This is Atleti.’
“Pedri, Bernal… you made a great effort. It was difficult to maintain the intensity of the first half. The entry of Giménez made us mature. And that growth is needed in the team.”
