Diego Simeone’s Side resumed his season with a 1-1 draw at Athletic Club on Sunday and could fall behind Real Sociedad in the fourth by the end of the weekend.
Atletico must pick up three points to be in the UCL
Koke admitted that Atletico Madrid couldn’t afford to lose many more points as they go after a place in the Champions League. Diego Simeone’s Side resumed his season with a 1-1 draw at Athletic Club on Sunday and could fall behind Real Sociedad in the fourth by the end of the weekend. “It was a very intense game,” said Koke at San Mames. “We must adapt to the new situation. It was the first match back, but we can’t stand more slip-ups. We have a point from a stable platform, but we have to pick three to qualify for the Champions League. If we do not, it won’t be easy. Atletico came from behind in Bilbao and might have had to win the game late through Santiago Arias.
“In the first half of the game, they were better, but when we scored, we managed to equalize, and we had the last chance at Santi’s feet. We have to pick up three points to be in the Champions League.” The experience of performing behind closed doors was strange for Atletico, who had last played at Anfield in March.” It’s odd to come to the stadium, the fans and the atmosphere of which are spectacular, like San Mames, and not have fans is a shame, “said Koke. “We hope that we will have fans supporting us as soon as possible.