Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone spoke to the media after more disappointment following a 1-1 draw against RCD Espanyol in Cornellà, with the coach still refusing to accept that the season was over for the Colchoneros.

When asked if a title challenge was over, Simeone responded that, “I always say that the league is defined in the last five games, and those teams in the positions in the last rounds will fight for the title.

“Since the sixth matchday, you want to know who will fight for the title. Until the last five matchdays you don’t know, whoever is closer will fight for it,” Simeone added.

Simeone on the result

“We were in control defensively and we had the few scoring chances in the first half, the goal and Gallagher’s chance. Until the 15th minute of the second half we controlled it, but when we could accelerate the game and do more damage with a one-goal lead we didn’t do it. The penalty appeared that everyone saw, and it generated more difficulty with the goal and the rival enthusiastic to put more people in the area and look for the mistake of one or the other. It was a flat game, and the draw is fair.”

Simeone on what went wrong

“We were not able to give the team that calmness that we have had in league matches. From different key, concrete situations, the game slipped away from us.”

Simeone on a poor run of form

“We did very well in the Champions League, we won the match at home. The decision from UEFA eliminated us, with the alleged touch from Julián on his penalty and I do not consider it a blow mentally. Against Barcelona, it hurt because of the enthusiasm we had, the 2-0 lead and then conceding four goals at the end, when you drop your level a little they can punish you and it hurt us. Until the 70th minute we controlled this game, nothing was happening, the penalty came and took us to the place where we are now.”

Simeone on preparing for Barcelona

“We know that there are very good, regular and bad moments throughout a season, we have to know how to get through them and keep competing until the end. We have a very nice match on Wednesday, and we hope to have all our energy and ability for the match.”

Simeone on the penalty decision

“Lenglet grabs (Leandro Cabrera) by the shirt, a fair penalty and nothing else to say.”

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Simeone on a difficult moment

“We can separate from that situation, we were able to make a good Champions League run, we competed well, we won the match, UEFA decided the result, but we won our match and we were eliminated and it was not a blow, because it was very clear what happened. Against Barcelona we were exposed to a very good opponent who scored four goals in a short period of time and today it was a flat match, it was a draw if nothing happened in the areas. We did it to ourselves, they equalized with a penalty and there we are.”