Javi Gracia was content with Osasuna’s ‘competitiveness’ against Atletico Madrid, so was disappointed in their two goals conceded.
The Pamplona outfit were hit with a fifth defeat of the season in Tuesday’s Week 6 encounter at the Vicente Calderon.
The game was decided 2-1 in Atleti’s favour thanks to Diego Costa’s early double. Oriol Riera pulled one back for the visitors.
“It is true that the opponent had most of the game, but, within our capacity, we have fought to the fullest,” mused Coach Gracia afterwards.
“The rival is to be congratulated because they are worthy winners. The defeat we will take, but we raised our game from the point of view of facing the League’s joint-leader, a great team, in a great moment.
“I asked the team to improve and compete. We leave with the taste of having competed and that we had against Atletico the chance to play for a point.
“To our credit there were chances, as in the 12th minute from the shot of Sisi, some set-pieces and, within our means, we created some opportunities that we were not able to capitalise on.
“It annoys me to lose the game with two crosses and for the lack of consistency in the area. It is something that should not have happened.
“Whenever there are goals, there are mistakes. We should have done better in the middle on those crosses. Both goals have cost us the game, but we were able to score from a set-piece and fought to the end. The team has shown their face.”
