Jagoba Arrasate rued Thibaut Courtois’ late save for Atletico Madrid against his Real Sociedad, and reflected on the bigger picture from this month.
La Real fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Atleti, but saw a late goalbound effort denied by a particular save by Courtois.
“After a defeat I cannot be happy. For an hour we have been better, but I’m sorry that we did not have the response,” reflected Arrasate after the game.
“They dropped back one of their strikers, playing him inside to increase numbers and it costs us much to generate play and move forward.
“We lacked freshness and clarity, but if it was not for their great goalkeeper then we would both have a point now.
“One of our objectives this season was to pass into the group stage of the Champions League, and so we are satisfied.
“After a defeat, we are never satisfied, but we should consider that we have had it very difficult since August 1, we have met the objective we had beforehand and we will keep working.
“The thing to do is deal with what comes in the same intensity and use the break to rest physically and mentally.”
