Iñigo Martínez’s post-game thoughts were straightforward – Barcelona had been the superior team against Atlético de Madrid, but their inability to finish the game strong cost them a decisive victory. “The game could have been 6-2 and it’s over 4-4,” he said, highlighting the team’s dominance for most of the match. However, he acknowledged that when you give Athletic options, they can generate goals, which is exactly what happened in the final stretch. Martínez emphasized that losing possession and giving away goals in the last section of the game was unacceptable, especially considering the tie is now evenly matched.
Pedri echoed Martínez’s sentiments, noting that the team could have managed the last moments of the game better. “We have to know how to drive the last moments of the game better,” he said, reflecting on the opportunities they had to seal the win. Martínez also pointed out that the team started the game on the wrong foot, leaving them a bit “asleep” in the beginning. However, they were able to demonstrate their level and take the lead, only to be hurt by their poor finish.
Looking back at the game, Martínez stressed that the team has a lot to improve on, particularly in those final sections. “The beginning has not been good. We have left a little, quite asleep,” he admitted. Despite this, the team showed their capabilities, putting themselves ahead in the game. The last section, though, is what hurt them the most, and it’s an area they cannot afford to repeat, especially in a tie.
The game itself was a thrilling tribute to football, with eight goals and plenty of action. As Martínez said, “There is much and we are fine. We must not go crazy. We have been much superior, but very. But football is going to mark. It could have been a 6-2.” The team has a lot ahead of them, and they need to improve those final sections to come out on top.
Martínez remained positive, though, emphasizing that the team has shown they are superior, but if they make mistakes, they will pay a high price. “We have shown that we are much superior although if we make mistakes, we will pay expensive,” he cautioned. Despite the doubts that may have arisen, Martínez encouraged the team to focus on the good things they did today and to learn from their mistakes. As he put it, “It has been seen that we have a lot. The doubts arise… but we are left with many good things today.”