Diego Simeone feels away goals rule was hard on Liverpool

According to Liverpool Echo, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone believes that the away goals rule gave his side an unfair advantage over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 fixture at Anfield.

Liverpool were in control and had taken a deserved lead in the 94th minute courtesy of Roberto Firmino’s first Anfield goal of the season. A mistake by Adrian flipped the tie on its head as Marcos Llorente scored the all-important away goal.

The Reds were forced to push ahead in search of a winner and threw bodies forward. It worked against them as Atletico hit them twice on the break to win the game 2-3 on the night.

Diego Simeone — Simeone’s team won at Anfield

Simeone believes that the extra 30 minutes gave his side an advantage that Liverpool were denied in the first leg. The Argentine manager called it unfair and promised to raise the issue at the next UEFA coaches meeting.

“We had 30 more minutes to score an away goal and Liverpool didn’t. That’s not fair.”

He admitted that the rule did work out to his advantage on the night but was humble enough to also add that it could work out against his team in the future.

Simeone also defended his brand of football following Jurgen Klopp’s criticism. He asserted that he respects Klopp’s style and has his own way of football that helps gets results.

Atletico proved to be a tough nut for Liverpool to crack in the first leg. The Spaniards produced a masterclass in defending as they shut out a formidable Liverpool attack.

Klopp’s team looked to have learned their lesson as they produced a performance to remember in regular time in the second leg at Anfield. Alas due to the result, it is not likely to be remembered my too many for long.