“We didn’t change our philosophy even with 8 players”

Simeone refused to blame Luis Felipe or Godín for the loss or for the red cards that left his side playing with nine men in the second half: “Blame? I've nothing to blame Felipe or Godín for”, said Simeone, and also refused to criticize the referee:

“The referee? No opinion, you can all give yours, he interpreted it the way he interpreted it”.

What are your feelings on leaving the Camp Nou?

“I leave here proud of the team I have, they’re unbelievable. The team played good in the first half, really good, apart from those ten minutes that Barça pressed and scored those two goals. With eight men outfield we still showed what this team is made of. In football you can win or lose, if we have to lose, I hope we always do it in this way. Carrasco had a great game, Saúl was tremendous, Thomas had no fear and I’ll take away a load of positives, even though the loss hurts. The future is looking good, this doesn’t end here.

Limited because of sendings-off

Even on 90’ we had a chance, with 8. The team stood up today, it didn’t give up, but stood and fought, we had the chances, but it just didn’t go in.

Atlético came out with intensity

Until the 25th minute we pressed them. Griezmann and Carrasco with freedom up front worked really well, they were given free-rein and we had speed and good play, but in five, ten minutes, Barça grew and suddenly it was two chances, two goals.

How does that leave La Liga?

Barça are still very strong. They still have that forward play that determines matches, and it’ll be hard for them to fall off the track. They took three points for us and have played one game less. There’s lots of Liga to go, but we’ll see, normally they don’t let it slip.