Diego Simeone acknowledged the feelings of frustration and “injustice” after the painful Champions League loss of Atletico Madrid, but insisted with them to continue.
Atletico had scored a goal of the first minute to level the aggregated score against Real Madrid in the second stage of their last-16 draw, with a fine-shoot-out that was needed to separate the teams.
VAR ruled that the slip of Julian Alvarez caused a double touch to exclude one of the penalties from Atletico, with the side of Carlo Ancelotti that eventually had the next round.
Atletico is now confronted with another major competition while they organize Barcelona in Laliga, with both parties fighting for the title in a tightly disputed race for the top position.
“The only power I have is to work and to ensure that the team continues to compete,” Simeone told reporters on Saturday.
“I understand our fans and the feeling that everyone has is frustration, anger and injustice.”
Simeone was furious with the referee's decision to refuse Alvarez's penalty when Madrid won the shootout 4-2, with Antonio Rudiger scored the winner after Marcos Llorente had hit the woodwork.
“I'm not going to comment on the previous game. We have to concentrate on the upcoming collision,” Simeone added.
“We have a great opportunity against a team that plays very well. We are focused on ourselves and on showing the fans that we can continue to compete.”
The match against Barcelona can be a decisive moment in the season of Simeone. Barcelona is in second place in the rankings with 57 points, one for Atletico, who have played a match more.
Atletico won the reverse fixture in Laliga against Barcelona with 2-1, after they had lost their previous five in advance against them; Since 2005-06 they have not completed competition doubles about them.
The side of Simeone, however, has relying on a home floor, because they have not lost this period any of their 14 LaLiga -home matches (W10 D4). However, Barcelona is on a six-game extraction streak in the top flight and would go back to the top of the table with a victory on Sunday.
“It is always important to maintain the right distance in the rankings as the season progresses. For our chances, this competition is about winning and closing the gorge. If they win, they come closer to the title,” said Simeone.
“Everything to them [Barcelona] concerns us. They are a very complete team, a brilliant side, and they succeeded well last week. “
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