Simeone Proud of Atletico's Effort Despite Copa del Rey Exit

Diego Simeone remains optimistic about Atletico Madrid's season despite their Copa del Rey exit, with the team now focusing on closing the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid's Copa del Rey semi-finals exit at the hands of Barcelona hasn't dampened coach Diego Simeone's spirits. Despite the 1-0 defeat and 5-4 aggregate loss, Simeone expressed pride in his team's overall performance this season. “The team has competed very well so far, in the Champions League we have competed very well, in the Cup too, we are having a good league season and we will continue, approaching it match by match,” Simeone said.

The team's recent struggles, including elimination from the Champions League and a six-match winless streak, have raised concerns about their chances of winning a trophy this season. Atletico trails leaders Barcelona by six points in the LaLiga standings, making it increasingly likely that they'll endure a fourth consecutive trophy-less season.

Simeone remains optimistic, focusing on the team's improvement and acceptance of their current position. ”We are trying to keep improving to get closer and closer to the teams above us and to accept the place we are. I have no other thought than to continue with the same work, focusing on continuing in the best way possible in what is ahead of us in LaLiga, with our focus on Sevilla who are our next rival,” he said.

Atletico's fans may find it tough to swallow, especially considering the team's impressive two-month unbeaten run just four weeks ago, which had them looking like strong contenders for three major titles.

Atletico Madrid's season has been a rollercoaster ride, with the team experiencing a dramatic shift in fortunes over the past month. They were previously neck and neck with Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga standings and had secured direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16. However, a heartbreaking home loss on penalties to Real Madrid in the Champions League, followed by a 4-2 home defeat to Barcelona in LaLiga, brought them crashing back down to earth.

The team's elimination from the Spanish Cup on Wednesday has left LaLiga as their last hope for silverware this season. However, they face an uphill battle, trailing leaders Barcelona by nine points with just nine games remaining. Barcelona, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, are currently top of the table with 66 points, three ahead of Real Madrid, while Atletico Madrid are third, six points further back.

Our journey in the Copa del Rey comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/mcaCv1INyx

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 2, 2025

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone remains philosophical about the team's fortunes, acknowledging that football is a game of ups and downs. “In football there are good moments and others that are not so good. There are moments when you control the game and others when you control the opponent. And during the season you have to know how to manage the times you are going to have, good, regular, bad, and let's hope game by game to finish in the best possible way,” Simeone said.

Despite the team's disappointing performance in their recent Cup exit, Simeone was keen to emphasize the players' commitment and desire. “We didn't play a good game today but that is nothing to be sorry about. There are no reproaches, no complaints as their competitive spirit and desire were always there, all the players are giving everything they can give. I hope to continue in the same way,” he said.

The focus will now shift to the LaLiga title race, with Barcelona set to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26 at Seville. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will continue to fight for every point, hoping to close the gap on the top two and make a late surge for the title.