"Seeing the first half today, we are at the same level as Barcelona"

Atlético midfielder Baena praised Álvarez's performance but lamented his side's wastefulness in front of goal after losing 1-2 to Barcelona.

Atlético de Madrid midfielder Álex Baena spoke after his side's 1-2 home defeat to Barcelona, highlighting the quality of Julián Álvarez's display while expressing frustration at his team's lack of clinical finishing. Baena noted that Atlético created dangerous chances and inflicted damage on Barcelona's defence, but failed to convert their opportunities.

"Julián has had a great game. I hope he has chances like today in every match. Some days you have better aim and others you don't," Baena said. He emphasised that Barcelona's clinical edge made the difference: "They scored the chances they had, and we didn't. When you don't score, what happened today happens."

Despite the loss, Baena remained upbeat about Atlético's level, saying that in the first half they matched Barcelona, but warned that dropping intensity allows opponents to dominate.