Simeone: Valverde's foul has prevented Atletico from winning the game
'Anyone would have done the same in his position,' the Atletico boss said
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Pablo Simeone was not bitter about the Fede Valverde challenge which ultimately cost his side the Spanish Supercopa on Sunday.
Valverde was sent off for bringing down Alvaro Morata when the striker was clean through in the final stages of extra-time. Real Madrid went on to win the trophy on penalties.
"It was the most important moment of the game," Simeone said. "I told Valverde (when he was sent off) that anyone would have done the same in his place.
"That foul prevented us having a chance on goal that probably could have decided the game. He had to do it. Later we will see how long he is banned for."
Despite the defeat, Simeone was happy with his side's performances in Saudi Arabia this week, where they also beat Barcelona to set up the final with Madrid, which ended goalless after 120 minutes.
"We've had to play against two of the best teams in the world in three days," he added. "We competed well. That's now six finals we've played against Madrid. We've won three and lost three. We have never lost in 90 minutes. I'm very proud of my players."
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