Atlético Madrid started the Champions League campaign for 2025/26 in dramatic fashion, as they came back from two early goals before eventually succumbing to a 3-2 injury-time defeat in Liverpool.
Post-match, Diego Simeone spoke about the game and expressed pride in his players, with so many players — including star attackers Julián Alvarez and Álex Baena — unavailable through injury.
“When the result isn’t there, beyond remembering those who were missing, nobody cares, you’re left with the final result,”
Simeone said. “(But) knowing the path we’re on, I’m happy, I’m fine, with the spirit I want from our players. We can lose, and if we must lose, lose like that.”
Diego Simeone on his sending-off
“Let’s start with my part. We are in a position where we have no right to react; it’s not right when we react, because we are protagonists. But in the same way that we fight against racism and insults to players, the benches are close together and it’s not easy to be insulted throughout the match. The third goal came and, in addition to the insults, there was a gesture, and I am a person.”
Diego Simeone on the comeback
“The match started with (Andy Robertson’s) goal, with a bit of luck that favoured the opponent’s start to the game, followed by a great goal that was the result of an extraordinary move. Around the 15th or 20th minute, we started to show that we were in the game, we got into the opponent’s half, we had chances to score, we were in their half in a more-even match, not like Liverpool in the first few minutes. The goal came, it could have come from crosses from the wings.
“After the break, it was an even match. … We moved the team around, looked for changes of position to create space and the equaliser came. Then the team started to retreat, our legs were tired, the opposition came at us and ended up scoring a great goal from a corner. Congratulations to the opposition, but I’ll take away the spirit we showed, which is the spirit of Atlético de Madrid.”
Diego Simeone on Marcos Llorente
“This stadium suits him very well, he has very good memories here and will continue to have them. He had another great game at full-back, inside forward, we tried from the bench to follow the team in what they were asking for. We brought on Koke, Sørloth and Molina to give us more legs and continue working against a very good opponent. The game could have gone either way, and it helps us to continue growing and try to maintain the pace we had today.”
Diego Simeone on the comeback
“The team reacted to going 2-0 down in a difficult stadium, especially after the first goal, which rebounded and ended up going in. We reacted to that 2-0 deficit, which was really tough, got into the game, equalised, and could have made it 3-3 with Sørloth’s effort (a free header) at the end. This is the way forward. In the Champions League, we’re going to face opponents of this calibre, who are very good, and we showed that we’re going to compete.”
Diego Simeone on the insults from fans
“I’m not going to go into detail about why the insults were directed at me. From my position, I have to maintain my place, support everything that happens behind the substitutes’ bench, and until society can resolve this issue, every manager has to live with it because it happens all the time.”
Diego Simeone on if he’ll share what he said to the referee
“No.”
Diego Simeone on the result
“The team didn’t start well, we weren’t lucky with the 1-0, which threw us off our game plan. Then came the second goal, which was a great strike. But the team, with spirit, hard work and quality, began to even out the match, create chances and show that we were still in it. We ended the first half with Llorente’s goal to make it 2-1, which was encouraging. In the second half, we also raised our level of play, with more composure. We suffered some counterattacks because they are very good, but we stayed in the game. The 2-2 came and then a great goal from Van Dijk, impressive. It leaves us with the bitter taste of defeat, but also with the spirit you need to play for Atlético.”
Diego Simeone on his clash with fans
“People always talk about caring, about respect… but they insult you throughout the match. I can’t say anything because I’m the manager. My reaction is not justifiable, but after 90 minutes of insults, it’s not easy. The referee told me he understood the situation. Hopefully Liverpool can improve that aspect, and when they identify the person who did that, there will be consequences.”
Diego Simeone on insults
“Insults throughout the match. And gestures too. I’m the one who has to stay calm, and I have to put up with the gestures, the insults, any situation. Why? Because I’m in a position where I have to put up with it.”
Diego Simeone on the positives
“The spirit, that’s what we needed. There are a lot of new lads who are adapting. We played on a difficult pitch, against a brave opponent, with a 2-0 lead at the start. It didn’t look good, but we were able to work hard, fight for it and take the match to the limit. If we have to lose, let’s lose like that.”
