Diego Simeone conceded that Rayo Vallecano were the better side for their 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Week 23 saw second place Atleti fall to a surprise reverse at Vallecas thanks to early goals from Lass Bangoura and Leo Baptistao, with Radamel Falcao’s late strike only a consolation.
“In the first half we did not play well, in the second half we were better. We had some chances to get back into the game, especially that which fell to Filipe Luis,” concluded Simeone at the whistle.
“The first half was bad, but the second half we rarely reached the goal. In the first half Rayo were superior but in the second they did not trouble us.
“These are games. Rayo did well and you have to give credit to the opponent. I will not look for who to blame in the team for the loss.
“Rayo were better than us and scored early in the game, which encouraged them to start playing even better. Rayo were better and in the football. Today we played below our usual level.
“We know what we can do and we have no problem accepting that we need to improve. During the first half we virtually didn’t enter the field. I am not concerned by the away form, though.”
