Atletico Madrid were denied the chance to finish at the top of the group as they lost 1-0 to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League last night.
Having already qualified to the next round of the competition, Atletico Madrid boss, Diego Simeone, fielded a side that was a mix of young and experienced players.
The combination did not pay off as the hosts took the lead 26 minutes into the game.
Few chances went in the way of Atletico, but Viktoria custodian was the main obstacle to the Spanish team’s endeavours.
The Rojiblancos started the second-half in a much better way as they were the livelier side. But things got worse for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-Costa-c11116 was sent off in the last minute of the match.
Reflecting back on the game, Simeone believes his side did not have a fine first-half and said that they lacked the attitude to win the game.
“We were very bad in the first half. We did not have the right attitude and played poorly.”
However, the Argentine conceded his players displayed a much better performance after the interval and deserved to come away with something from this particular encounter.
“The second half was a lot better. The players did what they had to do to draw the game.”
The former Atletico Madrid player is convinced and thinks his team deserved to at least come away with a point.
“I think we deserved a draw.”
Meanwhile, Viktoria Plzen coach, Pavel Vrba, said that he is proud of his players after they managed to defeat the defending champions.
“I am happy and proud of the players,” he told a Press conference. “It's spectacular [to beat the reigning champions].”
The 48-year-old has also conceded that his side did not play well, but said the win was the most important part.
“For us it is a great success. I do not think we played perfect football, but it was enough to win.”
The defeat to the Czech side last night means the Madrid-based club has advanced to the knock-out stages as runner-ups.
This was Atletico’s second defeat in the Europa League this season.
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