Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes that the
destination of La Liga is still 50-50 ahead of the title decider with
Barcelona.
Simeone could only watch on as his side let a golden
opportunity to claim their first championship since 1996 slip against Malaga on
Sunday.
Despite being on top throughout, Simeone's men could only
manage a 1-1 draw at home as Toby Alderweireld's first league goal cancelled out
Samu's strike.
Adrian Lopez's last-gasp effort being brilliantly tipped
over by Willy Caballero summed up a frustrating day for Atletico, who could not
capitalise on Barcelona being held to a goalless draw by Elche.
The upshot is that Barcelona and Atletico's meeting in
the season finale now becomes a title decider at Camp Nou, with the hosts
requiring victory to snatch the crown.
It is too close to call in the eyes of Simeone, who said:
"It’s annoying when you give everything the game demands, because the
players gave everything. Now there’s a 50-50 chance, just like in every
final."
Simeone is well aware of the importance of the next week
as Atletico attempt to complete a stunning triumph that few predicted before
the start of the campaign.
"The history of Atletico is eternal," he added.
"Sunday is vital day for the club. It’s not easy to stand back from
reality and the rivals we are facing are used to these situations.
"We're humble and what this team has done is truly
amazing. It's taken a lot of effort and I hope we can finish it off in the Camp
Nou."
Atletico's cause would be boosted significantly if they
could call upon Diego Costa, who missed out against Malaga due to a muscle
problem.
Simeone kept his cards close to his chest on the star
striker's recovery, saying: "He’s progressing well. We'll see how he is
for the match."
Culled from Soccerway
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