Simeone Laments Atletico's Lackluster Performance Against Alaves

Diego Simeone expresses disappointment with Atletico's performance in a goalless draw against Alaves, highlighting their inability to create scoring opportunities.

Atletico Madrid's manager Diego Simeone expressed disappointment with his team's lackluster performance in a 0-0 draw against Alaves. The team failed to pose a significant threat in the first half.

The draw keeps Atletico in third place with 67 points, trailing leaders Barcelona by nine points and second-placed Real Madrid by five points.

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid had a lackluster first half, failing to record a single shot in the opening 45 minutes - the third time this season they've achieved this unwanted milestone. They didn't get their first shot on target until the 71st minute.

”We played in the middle of the pitch, without danger,” Atletico's manager Diego Simeone said. “What we all saw was a flat first half from both sides, with no team play or shots on goal.” Despite pushing hard in the closing stages, Atletico couldn't find a winner, with Alaves' goalkeeper Antonio Sivera making key saves to deny them.

Draw in Vitoria. pic.twitter.com/DQqKqiE5xe

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 3, 2025

A pivotal moment in the first half came when Julian Alvarez was initially given a red card for a foul on Facundo Garces, but the referee changed the decision to yellow after a VAR review. Atletico's manager Diego Simeone strongly protested the initial call.

“The referee was hasty with what he saw, but when he was calm enough to see it, he made the right decision,” Simeone said. Atletico's next match is against Real Sociedad on May 10.

“In the second half we went from less to more, with more bravery in the crosses, crossing more, with more combinations at speed... We were left with a draw because we couldn't finish the chances we had and neither could they.

“In football you don't just win when you play the last teams in the table, you have to play well, be convincing, when you feel like it and when you don't.”