Juanfran: Atletico deserved to win

Juanfran believes Atletico Madrid did enough to warrant three points from the derby with Real Madrid.

Instead Atleti had to settle for a point after a 2-2 draw with Cristiano Ronaldo levelling late on for the League leaders.

Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Juanfran insisted that Los Rojiblancos merited three points.

“We deserved to win,” the defender said.

“We played a great game, had several good chances, more intensity and the draw doesn’t feel right by us.

“The team is very much alive. People are going around saying we were too aggressive and that we’re burned out, but no one here is burned out.”

Juanfran’s pointed comments about complaints over Atletico’s aggression are likely in response to Carlo Ancelotti’s claim that Atletico were ‘violent’ in their approach.

“What’s most important is that we’ve played a great game and people have seen our heart,” Juanfran continued.

“There are people who don’t like seeing us near the top. They’re used to Barcelona and Real Madrid competing but there is also a group who love to see Atleti there and we’re staying there.

“A third goal would have changed everything. The draw isn’t good but we have the advantage over Real. We didn’t expect to draw – we’re winners and we’re ambitious.”

The game was a feisty affair with the referee particularly busy in attempting to keep order, and Juanfran refused to criticise the officiating.

“The referees do the best job they can,” he added.

“Sometimes they’re good and sometimes they’re bad. There are day when they hurt you and days when they help you, but they try their best and have to be respected.”

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