Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was left frustrated after their 4-2 defeat to Barcelona.

Simeone did not accept that Barcelona were better than his side during the Catalans’ win at Camp Nou on Sunday.

“No,” he said, when asked if Barcelona were superior.

“You have to value how clinical our opponent was, and try to improve our intensity, aggression and concentration.

“We went ahead, we were controlling the game positionally, finding space for Carrasco and Joao, we had three chances in the first half, two for Joao and one for Savic. They were clinical. Beyond possession and counterattack, the more clinical team wins.

“In the second half we were more aggressive and intense, we made it 4-2 and it felt like we could get into the game. Barca dropped off and were well organised and we had fewer chances.”

He admitted his team has slipped up at the back.

“We’ve been defending extraordinarily well for ten years and this year we aren’t doing what we usually do. We have to improve, we have a week to work on it now. We lacked a bit of luck and a bit of focus too.

“We haven’t changed many players, except Trippier who left. The same players are playing who played at a great level last year. Gimenez and Savic have missed some games but today they played and we conceded four. What counts is hard work, trying to improve and facing the week with humility, and pushing until the end.”

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