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Going into the home match against Qarabag FK, Atlético Madrid needed to win to kick-start their Champions League campaign and stay in contention for knockout stage qualification. But after putting up over 30 shots, the game still ended at 1-1, putting Atlético’s Champions League fate out of their hands. It was saddest and most disappointing result yet, as Atleti’s stretch of deep Champions League runs is now almost certainly at an end.
Diego Simeone, Gabi, Ángel Correa and Diego Godín shared their thoughts on a frustrating night.
Diego Simeone
On the match:
“I leave with the feeling in the second half that the team did what they had to. The result isn’t what we wanted. Their goalkeeper had a great match and Qarabag defended very well.
“It’s clear the result isn’t what we wanted and we’ll keep on fighting.”
On recent form and troubles in front of goal:
“Like in Elche, Baku, the match against Villarreal and tonight, the team looked and gave it all for the win. In the second half, the team showed enough to win on merits. Destiny didn’t want it. We have to keep working hard and improve.
“The result isn't what we wanted and we know that right now we're having problems with scoring. When you score people talk about your strength, your courage. When you don't find the goal, people have a different opinion."
Gabi
On the mood of the dressing room:
“Tomorrow, we’ll talk with everyone and try to remedy the situation. We have another game Saturday to try to turn this around.”
On the possibility of playing in Europa League for the first time since 2013:
“Today, I would say that the Europa League is a crap option, but the truth is that it’s given me a lot. If we have to play it, we’ll go to win it, as always.”
Àngel Correa
His view on the amount of chances during the match:
"We created lots of chances and we aren’t having the luck we used to have. We tried it every way possible, but it wasn’t possible.”
On the fight ahead:
“We have to keep working. We’re creating chances, but aren’t having any luck. We’ll fight until the end.”
Diego Godín
On his side’s problems and the crisis it’s facing:
“If I had the solutions, I’d be Simeone.”
On moving forward after the draw:
“Today we have to think about the weekend [at Deportivo la Coruña]. It’s important this does not distract us from LaLiga and then Roma [in matchday 5], although [qualification] no longer depends on us.”