After a 1-0 away victory over Espanyol, secured by Baena's late winner, Atletico Madrid coach Simeone was interviewed by DAZN.
On the match
These three points were very important. Espanyol is a tough opponent with a very good defense. We had many scoring opportunities and controlled the game for 90 minutes, but the goal was slow to come. In the first half, we had chances, and in the second half, Julián Álvarez had an excellent opportunity, but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save. The goal didn't come, and the match seemed headed for a 0-0 draw when an absolutely world-class strike occurred: an incredible sequence starting from the back, the ball moving from one side to the other, and Baena was in fantastic form.
On substitutions
We want to reasonably manage the players' playing time and physical condition as much as possible. We need to maintain abundant physical energy at different stages of the match, so we first brought on Lookman, then Baena, Lee. When Romero asked to be substituted, Mendoza came on. Fortunately, we ultimately won an extremely difficult match.
Baena hugging you after his goal
I hugged him tightly because he had just scored a world-class goal. He is the kind of player who can change the balance on the field, and he is in great form. We must manage his playing time so he can fully display his talent. He is in very good condition, which is the most important thing.
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