Simeone: Atleti must lick Copa del Rey wounds before thinking about Arsenal

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid must heal from their Copa del Rey final heartache before they can think about their Champions League semi-final showdown with Arsenal.

Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez were denied by Unai Marrero in a penalty shoot-out as Atleti, who had twice fought back in regulation time to draw 2-2, fell short in Saturday's domestic cup showpiece. 

Their wait for a first trophy since winning LaLiga in 2020-21 goes on, and with a top-four finish in LaLiga virtually assured, their only meaningful fixtures remaining this season are in Europe.

They will meet Arsenal for a place in the Champions League final, with the first leg taking place in the Spanish capital on April 29, before the Emirates Stadium hosts the decider six days later.

But in the immediate aftermath of the loss in Seville, Simeone said it was not the right time to discuss that tie.

"I don't think about Arsenal, this hurts me a lot," he told reporters. "We needed to win and we couldn't. But we all competed and that gives me peace of mind."

Sociedad's opening goal was the fastest in Copa del Rey final history, with Ander Barrenetxea heading past Juan Musso just 14 seconds after kick-off.

Asked if fatigue played a part in Atleti's defeat, given they played the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona only four days earlier, Simeone replied:  "Yes, but I don't put it down to that. 

"It was the fact we didn't start the first half well. From the 15th minute we began to improve, to have more intensity. 

"Then we fell back a little into that way you mention, with less intensity, less ball recoveries, less duels. 

"After having played 90 minutes against Barca four days ago, it is normal that the team had that drop in extra time. 

"Still, I think we did well. Except for those 10 minutes at the start of the game, we were good and the team gave everything they had."

Questioned on what he had said to his players after the game, Simeone said: "There is not much to say. 

"I have to be close to them, because they know that they made a huge effort, with a very good second half and extra time. 

"But the game was decided in the 90 minutes. They had the forcefulness that is needed and we did not."