Diego Simeone accepted Real Madrid started better in the Copa del Rey meeting between the sides but was happy with how Atletico Madrid replied.
A Raul Garcia penalty and a goal from Jose Gimenez gave the champions victory over the League leaders and Cholo said after the match that he was happy with how his players recovered after Madrid’s stronger start.
“Madrid started better but my guys responded well. Lucas, very young, very good…Gamez, Mario…Fernando Torres’ presence…,” the Coach considered, AS reports.
“We settled in the first half and were more competitive over time. The second half was very good. We worked well and we were tidy.
“The changes gave vitality to the team and that allowed us to occupy the spaces and close down well.
“We wanted to play our best XI and put out a competitive team, so we could have more patience and press. We pressed well in attack.
“Saul played well when out wide and Garcia did a commendable job. The team is competitive, we compete and we have competition in us.
“Torres showed enthusiasm, energy. He was strong and fast but needs time to get used to his teammates but as the minutes went on he felt better.”
Simeone also touched on the signing of Cani, who was confirmed as arriving on loan from Villarreal shortly before kick-off.
“He’s another talent with Koke, Arda Turan and Antoine Griezmann,” he noted.
“He will allow us to try variants and gives us more competition.”
