Despite Alex Baena’s early opener for Los Colchoneros, Barcelona responded through Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres, inflicting a disappointing defeat on Diego Simeone’s side at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Speaking to Diario AS, Simeone analyzed the performance, noting that while Atleti started strong, they struggled against Barcelona’s interior passing. He observed that although the hosts utilized central overloads effectively to disrupt his defense, he remained calm and pleased with his team’s effort, viewing the match as a learning experience before facing Bilbao.
Simeone reserved special praise for Raphinha, who proved decisive against his squad. Having lauded the Brazilian previously, the Atletico manager highlighted his versatility, work rate, and creativity. Simeone ultimately declared Raphinha an incredible player capable of operating anywhere on the pitch from wing back to striker and questioned why he had not won the Ballon d’Or, stating unequivocally that he would always choose him for his team.