Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone rues missed chances at Bernabeu

Goals from Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz sealed the win for the hosts, while Julian Alvarez's strike kept Atletico in the hunt, setting up a tantalising return leg.

The match showcased Real Madrid's attacking flair, with Rodrygo Goes firing them ahead early on before Alvarez levelled matters for Atletico. However, Brahim Diaz's second-half effort proved the difference, handing the reigning champions a narrow lead. Atletico's boss Diego Simeone, while frustrated with the scoreline, praised his team's effort.

"I'm satisfied with how my team competed," Simeone said post-match. "The result isn't good - we wanted to win or at least draw - but we gave everything. We defended our shape throughout and tried to adapt late on by bringing Robin (Le Normand) into that role to cover for (Marcos) Llorente and [Nahuel] Molina. We could've conceded a third on their final counter, though."

Simeone remained upbeat about Atletico's prospects in the second leg at the Metropolitano. "I'm leaving here feeling the team performed well," he added. "We could've done more to stop their two goals, but now we focus on Getafe this weekend, then turn our attention to the return leg. With our fans behind us, it'll be a massive game."

Reflecting on the defeat, Simeone pinpointed Real Madrid's clinical finishing as the difference. "Their goals were key moments - we could've dealt with them better," he admitted. "Those details have swung the tie in their favour for now."

Atletico had their moments, controlling large spells of possession and responding superbly to Rodrygo Goes' opener. "We had good control and reacted brilliantly to their early goal," Simeone explained.

"It could've gone differently. We went into half-time feeling strong and started the second half the same way. But their second goal came, and we had a choice, take risks and possibly concede a third, or stay competitive. Last year in Milan, we lost 1-0 and turned it around, so there's hope."

The second goal stung most, Simeone conceded. "That one hurt more, we were managing the game better, and the mood was positive. The first was explosive, so quick, but the second shifted things."

Looking ahead, he urged his side to sharpen up. "We need to make the most of our control," he said. "They improved with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe dropping deeper to spark their counters. It's tough to take risks without losing the game. We lacked a bit of clarity in the final third."

Simeone also highlighted a mental lapse at Brahim Diaz's goal. "It's normal, it can happen. We were on top, and it gave them a boost. We competed well overall, except for that last moment where we risked a third. They recovered the ball on the right, and with Mbappe and Vinicius pushing, it was dangerous. But that mistake keeps the door open for us."

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are buzzing. Carlo Ancelotti hailed his side's resilience, saying, "We showed quality and character to win a tough match." The Bernabeu faithful will hope their heroes can finish the job in Madrid's other cauldron next month.

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