Diego Simeone said that Atletico Madrid paid the prize on Saturday for their missed opportunities in a heated Laliga Derby in Real Madrid.
Julian Alvarez opened the score from the penalty spot in a dominant first half for Atletico, but Kylian Mbappe canceled that five minutes in the second half.
Atletico had five shots in the first half, with only the penalty on goal, but could not get the most out of those opportunities, because Real Madrid Jan Oblak did not test before the break.
They created 1.09 Expected goals (XG) to the 0.23 of Madrid in that period, although 0.79 of which came out of the penalty, expiring when their hosts took the match in the second half.
Madrid and Atletico have now signed their last three meetings in all competitions, the longest series of draw in this derby since a series of five between November 1978 and January 1980.
“We played a very good first half, but we did not have the clarity to take advantage of the opportunities we created,” Simeone told a press conference.
“We could have managed those opportunities better. That led to a draw, despite the feeling that it seemed to have won in many parts of the game.
“With those who scored early in the second half, they got on the bar and then played with a higher intensity.
“After 20 minutes or so we got the game a little more control and we also had our chances … It ended in a draw a game in which both teams might be left behind that they deserved more.”
Simeone praised referee Cesar Soto Grado after controversy around the construction of the derby after Real Madrid had filed a letter of complaint against the race officers of the Spanish League.
Both parties complained about controversial plays on Saturday: Atletico for a studs-up challenge on Pablo Barrios by Dani Ceballos and Los Blancos for the penalty that Atletico gave the lead when Aurelien Tchouameni's mistake was awarded on Samuel Lino after a long VAR review.
“I thought the referee was about it in the best way,” said Simeone.
“For some people, Ceballos earned a right red … At least I think he should have checked it in the VAR, but others may disagree …
“He made his decision and that his decision to make and Var Crew thought they didn't have to call the referee. In the end I thought he generally did well.”
Real Madrid remained top of Laliga at 50 points, one in second place Atletico, who missed a chance to jump. Barcelona, third in 45 points, visit Sevilla on Sunday with the chance to close the gap in the title race.
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