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"The opponent's first goal was clearly preceded by a foul. I don't understand why the referee didn't see it."
Valverde's face was tight with barely concealed frustration.
"Every referee has their own standards, of course. But in a match of this importance, I feel the officiating should be more serious and responsible. Some people might think I'm making excuses now that we've lost—but my point is simple: if that goal hadn't stood, the final result would have been very different."
He paused, then shifted his aim toward André.
"Additionally, I want to say something about their young forward. He is still very young. He should focus on improving his abilities rather than engaging in... unsavoury behaviour."
A reporter from Mundo Deportivo leaned forward. "Mr. Valverde, what specifically are you referring to?"
"Small tricks that shouldn't appear on a football pitch. A player should cultivate good habits from a young age. Football matters should be settled with football, not with gamesmanship. Even if you win using such tactics—so what?"
The assembled journalists could barely contain their excitement. Drama was unfolding.
Simeone, seated nearby, had heard enough.
"I think Mr. Valverde is being quite amusing."
Simeone's voice cut through the room like a blade.
"He's blaming a match loss on a referee. Yes, I also think today's officiating was problematic—but in the opposite direction. One of their players was rolling around on the pitch like he was auditioning for a film. At one point, he claimed my player's arm had struck his calf. The referee actually believed it." Simeone shook his head slowly. "That's not a question of professionalism. That's a question of eyesight."
He paused, letting the silence stretch.
"Mr. Valverde—do you think diving should be allowed on a football pitch? I seem to recall a certain midfielder with a rather famous history in that department. There's footage of him covering his face to hide his laughter after a particularly theatrical fall. If any film directors are looking for a skilled actor, I'd recommend him highly."
The reporters scribbled furiously.
"One more thing." Simeone's eyes hardened. "After the match ended, I discovered that my player still has bruises on his waist. I don't think he pinched himself. Perhaps Mr. Valverde has an explanation?"
Valverde left the press conference with a face like thunder.
Rebuked publicly. Humiliated. He'd lost the match and his dignity in the same evening.
The footage Simeone had referenced was already legendary in European football—Sergio Busquets peeking through his fingers after going down, unable to suppress his smirk. Now it had been thrown directly in Barcelona's face.
There was nothing more to say.
Victory at the Camp Nou meant Atlético had seized control of their own destiny.
Seven rounds remained. If they avoided mistakes, the league title was theirs.
The day after the match, Simeone gathered the squad for training and delivered a stern warning: the closer they got to the finish line, the easier it was to stumble. No complacency. No relaxation.
The message landed.
In the following round, it was Barcelona who dropped points.
Two days before their league fixture, Barcelona had travelled to England for a gruelling Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United. Valverde rotated his squad for the subsequent trip to relegation-threatened Huesca.
The result stunned their supporters.
Huesca 0-0 Barcelona.
Against one of the weakest sides in the division, Barcelona had drawn a blank.
Two hours later, Atlético faced Celta Vigo—another team battling relegation. Goals from Griezmann and Saúl secured a 2-0 victory.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, drew 1-1 away at Leganés.
Of the top three, only Atlético had won.
After thirty-two rounds:
Atlético Madrid: 75 points (1st)
Barcelona: 71 points (2nd)
Real Madrid: 63 points (3rd)
In just two matches, Atlético had transformed a one-point deficit into a four-point lead.
For Barcelona, the league disappointment was softened by European success.
Their 1-0 first-leg victory over Manchester United had put them in a commanding position. A week later, at the Camp Nou, they completed the job in style.
Barcelona 3-0 Manchester United.
Aggregate: 4-0. The English side was dispatched without ceremony.
The Champions League semi-final line-up was confirmed: Tottenham versus Ajax. Barcelona versus Liverpool.
Barcelona supporters immediately began dreaming of a sixth European crown. The treble might be slipping away, but a domestic double plus Champions League glory would be more than adequate consolation.
The stage was set for an unforgettable finish to the season.
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