Diego Simeone’s ability to read a game has been hailed after the charismatic Argentine led Atletico Madrid to Saturday’s stunning derby victory over Real Madrid.
The reigning champions won 4-0 with a poised, purposeful and committed performance, scoring at regular intervals through midfielders Tiago and Saul, and then front men Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic.
The scale of the victory was a fitting reflection of a remarkably one-sided game, and opening goalscorer Tiago gave all the credit to his manager.
“Everything he told us to do came together on the pitch,” hailed the veteran Portuguese midfielder.
“We got into the game early and found the areas where we could hurt them. We wanted to exploit the spaces that Real left behind them.”
Tiago’s opener came after Iker Casillas badly fumbled his low shot but considering the pattern of play it was just a matter of time until Atletico netted first.
“We have everything very clear in our minds,” added Tiago. “We are a strong team and we have a lot of identity.
“We knew if we followed what we have been doing that victory was possible, and we didn’t give them a chance from the opening minute.”
Real’s players, meanwhile, were in an apologetic frame of mind after delivering a performance described by manager Carlo Ancelotti as the worst during his time at the club.
Superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who was later able to put aside his disappointment to celebrate his birthday in a Madrid nightclub, believed his team’s midweek exertions in a victory over Sevilla had cost them dear.
“We weren’t fresh mentally or physically,” he said. “But that shouldn’t be seen as an excuse.
“We played badly right through the team. Nothing came off for us. It’s a day which we want to forget about as quickly as we can because Real Madrid shouldn’t lose 4-0 to any team.
“We have to lift our heads. There’s no point feeling sorry for ourselves – there are still a lot of games to get through and we’re first in the table. We have to stay positive because we are top.”
He added: “We have a strong team and in my opinion we’re better than Atleti, but we have to show it out on the pitch.”
