Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo rued the decision to play five minutes added time in the Champions League final.
AS reports Cerezo as saying after the match that only three minutes should have been added on after Real Madrid cancelled out Atletico’s lead in injury time.
The game went to extra-time and was won by Madrid, who scored three times to claim a 4-1 victory.
Despite the defeat, Cerezo praised his side’s performance – in the match and throughout the season.
“40 years ago similar conditions deprived us of a great title but things have to be taken in the scope in which they occur,” Cerezo said.
“The players have made a tremendous effort and played a perfect game for 93 minutes.
“Ramos’ header could have gone up, down, in the centre or on the street.
“We’ve come here without losing a game. Except for a small mistake we could have been champions.
“Or if Madrid had had three minutes, which is normal, not five, as they were given.
“We turn to history for the 4-1 but it could have been a draw and penalties.
“For the wonderful season the players have had, they are devastated. They can’t believe it.
“We were 60 seconds away. It would have been a great little upset. But I’d be here every year and lose it.”
Cerezo also spoke of Diego Costa, who started the match despite a hamstring injury and had to be replaced after only nine minutes.
“You haven’t seen him but he is as annoyed as everyone,” Cerezo revealed.
“Now he must be given encouragement and strength and I wouldn’t want this to be the photograph in his memory. It isn’t right and he doesn’t deserve that.”
Cerezo added that losing is as much a part of football as winning and praised the Atleti fans while commending the city of Madrid for its two finalists.
“That’s the truth. And whoever doesn’t know this is better than the world of football,” Cerezo said.
“We are proud to be here and have the team and the fans that we have.
“A healthy, elegant crowd that knows how to win and how to lose.
“Today the city of Madrid has won. We are lucky to have this sporting side. And luck is important. Both teams played well.”
