La Liga
Emotional Milestone: Simeone Celebrates 700 Matches As Atletico Madrid Manager
Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, became emotional while expressing his deep affection for the La Liga club during his 700th match.
His team staged a remarkable comeback, scoring two late goals to secure a 2-1 victory against Deportivo Alaves at home on Saturday.
Alaves initially took the lead with an early penalty, but Antoine Griezmann brought Atletico Madrid level in the 76th minute with a penalty of his own. The victory was secured in the 86th minute when second-half substitute Alexander Sorloth scored, securing all three points and propelling Atletico Madrid up to second place.
“I live in the present, we are having a good time, and the boys are working very responsibly,” Simeone told DAZN after Atletico’s fifth straight win in all competitions.
“I am calm, at peace, I am in a place that… I love where I am, and that’s it; bye,” he added with his voice breaking before handing over the microphone and walking away.
As the match headed for a draw, Sorloth scored with a thunderous strike that led to Simeone running the length of the sideline and celebrating with the Norwegian striker.
Simeone received a yellow card for his spirited behavior, but he didn’t voice any complaints. He mentioned that he had spoken with Sorloth the night before about how the forward could make a difference in the match.
“We spoke clearly, we explained what we need from him and how important he is. By chance, the goddess of fortune came along, great vision from Rodrigo De Paul and a goal,” Simeone said.
“In a short amount of time, he gave us great quality, which is what counts.”
Sorloth was one of two half-time substitutes along with Simeone’s son Giuliano, whose second-half performance earned him a man-of-the-match award.
“The first half started with a penalty that made it difficult for us to progress in the match. The opponent scored and sat back, and the spaces became smaller,” Simeone said.
“The team looked cold. In the second half, we warmed up. The lads who came on did well, they gave us speed in the final stretch and strength in the box… Then came the penalty and Sorloth’s goal.
“Last year, we were winning 2-0 easily, they scored, and the final score was tight. This time they found the goal early. In the second half, we created more chances and we got the reward of an important victory.”
