Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has blamed wasteful finishing for his team's 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night.
Addressing the media after the match in Madrid, the Argentine coach said Atletico created sufficient chances to secure victory but were let down by their execution in the final third against the English side.
Simeone described the first half as evenly contested, although he acknowledged Arsenal enjoyed greater possession. He said the game opened up after the interval and Atletico had clear opportunities to take control of the tie. Dismissing talk of bad luck, the coach insisted results are determined by efficiency, not chance. He told reporters his players were not sharp enough when it mattered most and failed to punish Arsenal during their strongest spell in the second half.
Atletico will host Valencia this weekend as they continue their push for a top-four finish, with the coach expected to rotate his squad to keep key players fresh for the trip to the Emirates.