Simeone devastated as Atlético come up short in Copa del Rey final
He spoke after penalty shoot-out defeat
Atletico Madrid's Argentine coach Diego Simeone looks dejected at the end the Copa del Rey (King's Cup) final football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Sociedad at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on April 18, 2026. Real Sociedad won Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was left devastated by Copa del Rey final defeat on penalties to Real Sociedad after a 2-2 draw in extra time.
But he was left insisting that his team could have won it inside 90 minutes. “There’s not much to say,” a desolate Simeone said post-match. “I am just trying to be there for the players, because they know they put in a massive effort, with a very good second half and extra time.
“The match was decided in the 90 minutes. It was Baena’s chance to score, Johnny’s… they went just wide, they were good attempts, but (Real Sociedad) had the clinical finishing needed and we didn’t. ” Diego Simeone on the defeat “First of all, I’d like to congratulate the opposition.
They played exactly the game they needed to. We didn’t start well, although we did respond to the first goal. We equalised but then lost our intensity again, they were more intense despite there not being many clear-cut chances.