The penalty incident during the Champions League clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid is still a hot topic. But Atlético coach Diego Simeone is done with all the questions about it three weeks later.
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Diego Simeone's frustration with the media’s obsession over the Champions League penalty incident has been palpable.
Nearly three weeks after the dramatic exit from Europe’s most prestigious tournament, the Atlético Madrid coach still faces relentless questioning about the controversial moment that ended his team's journey. Yet, his patience has worn thin, and his focus has shifted entirely to what remains of the season.
On March 12, Atlético Madrid faced Real Madrid in a high-stakes Round of 16 clash. As the tension peaked during the penalty shootout, an incident occurred that would haunt Simeone and his team for weeks. Julián Álvarez, one of Atlético’s most dependable forwards, stepped up to take a crucial penalty. But as he struck the ball, his foot slipped on the wet turf, causing him to make slight, inadvertent contact with the ball a second time before it reached the back of the net.
Despite Álvarez's celebrations, the VAR intervened. Under the rules, a player is not allowed to touch the ball twice during a penalty kick before another player touches it. The goal was ruled invalid, turning joy into despair for the Atlético fans at the Wanda Metropolitano. To make matters worse, Real Madrid capitalized on this mishap. Antonio Rüdiger’s decisive strike eventually sealed Real’s place in the quarterfinals, leaving Atlético out of the competition and reeling from the emotional fallout.
The media has clung to this incident, repeatedly demanding Simeone’s opinion on whether the decision was justified or whether the rules need to be reconsidered. But the Argentine coach has refused to be dragged into yet another post-mortem analysis of what happened. Instead, he has repeatedly shut down any discussion of the incident, preferring to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past. When asked once more to share his thoughts on the matter, Simeone replied curtly with a single word: “Barcelona.”
It was clear his mind was already set on the upcoming match against Barcelona, a crucial Copa del Rey semifinal that would provide his team with a shot at redemption. The first leg of the tie against the Catalan giants had been nothing short of a roller-coaster, ending in a breathtaking 4-4 draw that showcased both teams’ offensive prowess and defensive frailties. Simeone knew all too well that the second leg would demand the very best from his players.
Reflecting on the Champions League incident, Simeone’s annoyance with the constant questioning was evident. Just moments after the match against Real Madrid, he challenged reporters directly, saying: “Don’t be afraid to say something. Are you scared of the reactions? Come on. Raise your hand if you saw him touch the ball twice!” His frustration was not only aimed at the media but also at the perceived unfairness of how the incident was handled and dissected by pundits and fans alike.
Despite the lingering bitterness over the Champions League exit, Simeone is acutely aware that the Copa del Rey now represents his team’s last realistic chance of silverware this season. With nine games left to play in La Liga, Atlético Madrid trails Barcelona by nine points. Overhauling that deficit appears almost impossible, particularly considering Barcelona’s remarkable consistency and resilience throughout the campaign.
The Copa del Rey semifinal against Barcelona, scheduled for April 2 at 21:30, has taken on enormous significance for Atlético. Simeone understands that his team must demonstrate mental strength and composure to overcome the setback of the Champions League elimination. He has pushed his squad to move past the controversy and refocus on their remaining objectives.
Training sessions at Atlético’s complex in Majadahonda have been intense and methodical, with Simeone demanding nothing less than total commitment from his players. Defensive drills have been emphasized to address the vulnerabilities exposed in the high-scoring first leg against Barcelona. Meanwhile, Simeone has been urging his forwards to be more clinical in front of goal, knowing that against Barcelona, opportunities will be scarce and must be seized decisively.
Barcelona, on the other hand, is not without its own concerns. Despite their strong position in La Liga, their defensive frailties were laid bare during the 4-4 draw against Atlético. Xavi’s team has shown vulnerability when pressed aggressively, and Simeone will be eager to exploit that weakness in the upcoming clash.
For Atlético Madrid, victory against Barcelona would mean more than just a place in the Copa del Rey final. It would be a statement of resilience, a declaration that they can rise above adversity and still end the season on a high note. Winning the Copa del Rey would provide a much-needed boost for Simeone and his squad, especially after the disappointment of their early Champions League exit.
Simeone’s focus on Barcelona is as much psychological as it is tactical. By refusing to dwell on the past, he aims to inspire his players to embrace the present challenge and channel their frustration into something productive. With the season nearing its conclusion, every match matters, and Simeone is determined to ensure his team fights until the very end.
As the Copa del Rey semifinal approaches, the questions about the Champions League incident may never truly fade away. But for now, Simeone’s eyes are fixed firmly on Barcelona. The Argentine manager knows that redemption is still within reach, but only if Atlético Madrid can put their past disappointments behind them and deliver a performance worthy of their ambitions.
Updated: 04:27, 1 Apr 2025
