Atletico Trying To Sincerely Accept Defeat To Real Madrid, Shift Focus On Facing Barcelona

Atletico Madrid focused on the match against Barcelona after a painful defeat to Real Madrid (Instagram/@athleticodemadrid).

JAKARTA - Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher said on Friday, March 14, 2025, local time that the team had risen from a painful defeat in the Champions League against Real Madrid on a controversial penalty shootout on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Gallagher said that Atletico had focused his attention on other important matches that would take place on Monday, March 17, 2025, early morning WIB, against Barcelona in the tight competition to become the leader of the La Liga standings.

"This (League Champions) is a performance to be proud of. We will take the feelings we have from that defeat and take it to the next game as motivation."

"Maybe we were unlucky in that game, which was very unfortunate, but you could say we were lucky this season a lot," Gallagher told ESPN.

Atletico won 1-0 over Real Madrid at Metropolitano thanks to Gallagher's early goal, which drew 2-2 to two extra rounds.

However, Real Madrid won 4-2 on penalties to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"Of course it's hard mentally to forget defeats like we did and make sure we're 100 percent ready for big games like that."

"However, we can use it as motivation and enthusiasm to give the best performance against Barcelona because they are a team that must be defeated," Gallagher said again.

Atletico lost on penalties after Julian Alvarez's penalty kick was disallowed due to a double touch.

Only a video review saw first contact when the feet of a supporter Alvarez and gently nudged the ball before he hit with another leg to beat Thibaut Courtois.

However, after a VAR review, Alvarez's penalty was not passed to a goal.

"What happened, happened, unfortunately. It could happen to anyone. Of course it's a shame that it had to happen at that time, but this is football and things like this can happen," Gallagher said.

Gallagher said he was not aware of any UEFA review, but added that it was useless for his team to think about it.

"If he (Alvarez) touched him twice, what can the referee do? That's what it is. If there's a rule there, that's the rule."

"The match has been over, so nothing has changed," said Gallagher.

The defeat did not want Atletico to be denied for too long. You see, they have to pursue other targets.

Los Rojiblancos are currently one point behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, with the Blaugrana having one game more.

Diego Simeone's team must not lose against Barcelona and must immediately forget the painful defeat to the Madrid Derby.

However, Simeone admits that overcoming the defeat will be difficult.

"To be honest, it's not easy to forget our defeat in this match. We can't lie to ourselves," said Simeone.

Even so, Simeone did not want to lament for too long. You see, Barcelona can have both physical and emotional benefits.

Hansi Flick's side had an extra day of rest following his win over Benfica on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, early morning WIB, to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Thus, Atletico must rise soon because they will play another important match.

"We faced great rivals. I imagine Barcelona players want our game to last as long as possible, to get on penalties."

"We will arrive tired and battered after struggling in a game that demands us to give everything."

"However, we will give everything we have (in Barcelona)," said Simeone.

Atletico have given Barcelona a big challenge twice this season. Goals in the final minute by Alexander Sorloth sealed a 2-1 win at the Olympic Lluis Companys Stadium in La Liga and a 4-4 draw in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

"We know how Barcelona can play. They played very well as a team. So, we know how focused we have to stay to try not to concede," said Gallagher.

"We need to do our things with the ball as well to try to create chances and score goals and make sure we all have the same game plans. I believe we have a good chance," he said again.

Barcelona are unbeaten in 17 consecutive matches in all stages since the defeat to Atletico at the end of December 2025.

Gallagher admitted that Barcelona had returned to their best form and played like a team that had to be beaten.

"They've had difficult times at one point, but everyone can see this season they've been brilliant."

"So, we know what they can do. We have to be fully prepared to face their threats and I'm sure we will be ready," he said.

Atletico will also host Barcelona next month for the decisive Copa del Rey semifinals.