Get used to it ladies and gents. All those flares, fans and noise before the game, the aggressive and hostile atmosphere, players putting their bodies on the line all over the pitch, managers, fans and players appealing for absolutely everything. Get used to it all, because when you're as good as we are we should expect it from our opponents every single game. Everyone wants to beat us, and everyone else wants them to beat us as well. When you're at the top, you've got a big old target on your back.
We were poor last night in the final third, credit to the defensive work of Atleti, who were organised, narrow and made it hard for us to find our front three. When we did have a chance to exploit space our passing was often too slow or off and we kept losing momentum at key moments in attacks. Half a second delay and they were right back into their shape.
Obviously a disappointing goal to concede but it can happen, no worries. The response, possession and fight was all good, we just had a bit of an off day in front of goal. Can't even remember the last time we didn't score, I assume it was in one of the more recent CL losses.
Seems like sour grapes to complain about the ref after we've lost for the first time in forever, but I did think he was weak and too easily influenced. There were two or three really obvious and clear errors and I think the crowd, players and Simeone got to him a little bit. Still, our performance - in front of goal at least - was just as bad so can only blame ourselves.
Cannot wait to take these back to Anfield now, where I'm sure the players will be itching to put this right.
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