Barcelona manager, Quique Setien, has insisted that his team failed to beat Atletico Madrid in the La Liga on Tuesday night at the Camp Nou because Diego Simeone’s men were ‘disciplined and physically strong’ during the encounter.
Barcelona went in front in the 11th minute, after captain, Lionel Messi’s corner was flicked into his own net by striker, Diego Costa.
Atletico responded almost immediately, as midfielder Yannick Carrasco was fouled in the box, but goalkeeper Marc Ter Stegen saved Costa’s effort.
However, a retake was ordered by the referee, and this time, midfielder, Saul Niguez, slotted home coolly.
Lionel Messi restored Barcelona’s lead from the spot, but Niguez then buried his second spot-kick of the game.
But Setien believes the visitors were strong defensively, adding that he was happy with his players’ performances.
“Fairly happy. It’s not easy to play against Atletico,” Setien told a post-match press conference when asked if he was pleased with his team’s display against Atletico Madrid.
“They are disciplined and physically strong. Defensively too. But I am happy with my players.”
Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture is against Villarreal on Sunday.
