Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has urged his squad to turn their attention to their crucial Champions League showdown with Real Madrid following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
The win temporarily lifted Atletico to the top of LaLiga, but Simeone insists his players must remain focused on their European ambitions.
“We have a massive Champions League game ahead, and right now, our priority is to rest and prepare properly,” Simeone said. “The key is to keep strengthening our collective play and not lose concentration.”
The match was decided by substitute Julian Alvarez, who netted the winner shortly after replacing Alexander Sorloth just before the hour mark. Simeone praised the Argentine forward’s impact.
“We faced a tough opponent today—Bilbao defended well and created chances through Nico and Inaki Williams. But we were fortunate to have Julian in the second half, and he finished the counterattack brilliantly,” the coach remarked.
Simeone also expressed his delight at Alvarez’s arrival from Manchester City, calling him a “special player” with unique qualities.
“Some players come in, and you just know they are different. I love his humility and versatility,” he added.
Atletico now sit atop LaLiga with 56 points, two ahead of Barcelona and three clear of Real Madrid, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis.
However, with a high-stakes Madrid derby looming in the Champions League last-16, Simeone remains firmly focused on the battles ahead.
