We will wait for Julián, we need him if we want to reach where we want to reach

Simeone praised his team's performance despite the 1-2 home loss to Barcelona, backing striker Álvaro Morata to find his form.

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone reflected on his side's 1-2 defeat to Barcelona at the Metropolitano, where Giuliano had given the hosts an early lead. Despite the loss, Simeone expressed pride in his players' display, saying he had "nothing to complain about" and that Atlético had forced Barcelona into uncomfortable positions.

Simeone acknowledged Barcelona's clinical finishing and superior confidence in attack, but felt his team competed well for large stretches. He highlighted chances for Baena and Sørloth that went begging, and noted that Atlético controlled the first 50 minutes before Barcelona's second-half dominance proved decisive.

On striker Álvaro Morata, who was involved in three or four of Atlético's five clear chances but failed to score, Simeone backed the player to deliver. "We will wait for him, we need him because if we want to reach where we want to reach, we need him," the manager said, adding that Morata has the team's confidence and that his goal will come.