Atletico Madrid started the 2025-26 season in a disappointing way, because they were against a 2-1 defeat against Espanyol in the RCDE stadium. Despite a number of new signing sessions made in the summer, the battle of Los Colchoneros on the road continued.
According to Diario As, Diego Simeone gave his response to the defeat, while he cast missed opportunities that would have brought the game to Before Espanyol's two second half goals.
“We lost the game, first of all. The result hurts us. But I, starting with the season, have to stick to the very good things that were seen. We have to be more efficient, we had the chance of Julián who could have been a goal after a good game by the team. Football was great, they had that set piece and then 2-1 and we end with Zero Points.”
Simeone was also asked about the decisions to take the will of Thiago Almada, Alex Baena and Julian Alvarez when the match was 1-0 and 1-1 respectively. On closer inspection, he admitted that this was a mistake on his part.
“They managed the game in the best way to that goal we were talking about. It had been good and we wanted to bring in new players. I thought Almada, álex, Johnny … nobody wants to win more than me, and we have lost. I think this is a learning experience for myself.