Diego Simeone felt Matias Kranevitter and Augusto Fernandez improved on their Atletico Madrid debuts in the Copa del Rey draw with Rayo Vallecano.
Rayo took a first half lead through Nacho but Atletico, after the introductions of Saul Niguez and Luciano Vietto just before the hour, fought back through Saul.
“We found more solutions from midfield to the attack in the second half. We struggled more in the first half. Both sides had a chance and they took theirs,” Simeone said, AS reports, denying any regrets over fielding a much-changed starting XI.
“We know about Rayo. We’re not afraid. They fought hard in the game, like they did in the League. The draw was fair.”
Cholo was questioned about three midfielders – debuting pair Kranevitter and Augusto, signed from River Plate and Celta Vigo respectively, and Thomas Partey, whose performances have caught the eye in recent weeks.
“Thomas is growing. He’s still got a few things to polish up. He has the conditions and he showed that with some of his decisions from midfield to attack,” Simeone went on.
“[Kranevitter and Augusto] improved as the game went on. Matias showed consistency and Augusto had a correct game. They’ll improve in future.”
