“Simeone responds to Barcelona after qualifying for the semi-finals.”

Atlético de Madrid is in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and Diego Simeone does not hide his satisfaction, but he also responds with irony to the controversies raised by Barcelona ahead of the decisive clash at the Metropolitano. The Catalans complained about the height of the pitch, accusing UEFA of allowing supposedly detrimental conditions, but the Argentine coach seized the opportunity to deliver a direct and forceful message.

After securing passage to the next round, despite a 1-2 home defeat to Barcelona, Simeone meticulously analyzed the match: “Did you see how they play, the speed at which they run? When the game started and I was watching, I said: ‘My God, this isn’t real, they’re going at an incredible speed.'” The coach acknowledged the quality of the opponent, highlighting the trio of Gavi, Pedri, and Ferrán, but emphasized that his team remained strong: “After going to 0-2, the team had two options: to collapse and give up or to continue playing the game we had planned. And the team did it from the personality of Griezmann and Koke, the recoveries from Llorente, the calmness of Musso… the team grew with all of them.”

The second half was characterized by a decrease in intensity from Barcelona, according to Simeone, due to the physical strain from the previous match over the weekend: “They lowered their intensity. They had the game on Saturday in their legs, and we were aware of the effort they had put in. We needed to maintain the intensity that we managed to have at certain moments in the first half.” Atlético’s substitutions provided new energy, with the introduction of players like Nico, Baena, and Sorloth, making the game more balanced and dangerous for both sides.

The atmosphere in the stadium was another highlight for Simeone, who was moved by the unwavering support from the fans: “We started winning already upon the arrival of the bus. It was wonderful, emotional. I have been here for 14 years, and I continue to be moved day after day. I told the players at the end: ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’ I am a coach who is entirely grateful for the effort, the heart, and the faith that we have.”

Individually, the Argentine coach highlighted key performances: “Lookman is evolving, improving immensely in the defensive part and having more weight in the offensive. We have never had players with these characteristics at the club. I am delighted with what he is doing because he does it with heart.” Regarding Marcos Llorente, he stated that “he is incredible” for his versatility and leadership ability on the field. As for Mateo Ruggeri, he praised his complete game and tight marking on the young talent Lamine Yamal.

But the true crown jewel of Atlético, for Simeone, continues to be Antoine Griezmann: “I talk a lot with Antoine, he knows how much I like him. He is a genius. Over time, we will realize that we had a genius of football. A player with hierarchy, personality, and different. Hopefully, fate gives him what he seeks in the time he has left at the club.”

And the cherry on top? The sarcastic response to Barcelona’s criticisms about the pitch at the Metropolitano: “Do you know how good it is to be in the Champions League semi-finals? You don’t know how good it is to be among the best.” A clear reminder that, despite the complaints and controversies, it is Atlético who moves forward, with merit and determination. Simeone and his players showed that the pitch, the opposing pressure, or the criticisms will not stop them.

The Atlético Madrid is firmly in the semi-finals of the Champions League, while Barcelona will have to face the consequences of their unfounded complaints and reflect on their performance on the field. The battle of statements was won by Cholo, who once again proved why he is one of the most respected and feared coaches in Europe.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.