Diego Simeone's unusual excuse after Atlético Madrid's defeat to Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid faced another painful defeat against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2025 quarter-finals, losing on penalties. After the match, Diego Simeone addressed the media with a statement that raised eyebrows. Instead of blaming luck or refereeing decisions, he insisted that his team made life difficult for Real Madrid and should feel proud despite the loss.

"Real Madrid suffer against us"

Following the match, Simeone made a bold claim: "Real Madrid almost always beat us, but they suffer. They really suffer." This statement reflects the frustration of Atletico Madrid, who once again failed to overcome their city rivals in a decisive European clash.

While acknowledging the defeat, Simeone avoided talking about bad luck. Instead, he focused on the resilience of his squad, saying, "I would not talk about luck. I would talk about feeling proud of the team we have. We always compete. We played an incredible match."

Despite Atletico’s strong performance, Real Madrid advanced to the semi-finals, leaving their rivals with yet another heartbreak. The match saw a controversial penalty shootout, with some Atletico players complaining about refereeing decisions. However, Simeone refused to dwell on officiating, choosing to highlight his team's effort instead.

Accusations of Discrimination

Beyond the disappointment of elimination, controversy emerged off the pitch as Atletico Madrid players and fans voiced concerns about unfair treatment. Some reports suggested that the club felt discriminated against, particularly regarding refereeing calls and media narratives surrounding their European performances.

This is not the first time Atletico Madrid have raised concerns over perceived bias in favour of Real Madrid. Past encounters have also left Los Colchoneros feeling hard done by, especially in crucial matches like the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals.

While Simeone did not directly mention discrimination, his comments about Real Madrid "suffering" hinted at his belief that Atletico Madrid are consistently undervalued. His words resonated with fans, who took to social media to express their frustration, pointing to past instances where controversial decisions went against their team.

Another European Dream Shattered

Atletico Madrid’s Champions League campaign ended in familiar fashion: a hard-fought battle against Real Madrid, only to be eliminated in dramatic fashion. Despite showing great determination, they once again fell short.

Simeone, known for his passion and intensity, tried to lift the spirits of his squad, but questions remain about whether Atletico Madrid can ever overcome their European curse. With another painful exit, their wait for Champions League glory continues.