Every Atletico Madrid Clash Is Now A Final – Simeone

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Every Atletico Madrid Clash Is Now A Final – Simeone

Diego Simeone challenged his Atletico Madrid players to treat every remaining La Liga match like a final after a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao hindered their top-four hopes.

Throughout his eight-and-a-half-year tenure, Simeone has expanded Spain’s big two to a big three – most notably when Atleti pipped Barcelona and Real Madrid to the title in 2013-14.

However, they lie sixth in the standings after Saturday’s stalemate at San Mames, with a 13th top-flight draw this season setting an unwanted club record.

However, their participation in next season’s competition is far from assured and fourth-placed Real Sociedad could open up a three-point advantage when they host Osasuna later on Sunday.

“The aim for the two teams was to always try to win, we started well in the first 10 minutes, then they positioned themselves better and they won the second ball and they did not let us attack,” Simeone told reporters, after watching Diego Costa find a quickfire response to Iker Muniain’s opener.

“The goal came, the reaction, after a very well-constructed play.

“In the second half we were closer to that victory. Santiago Arias’ chance was the clearest. He could have allow us to take the victory in a stadium where you always have to work to win.

“We have one final left in each match.”