Diego Simeone takes positive from draw at Elche

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has refused to criticise his team following Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Elche in the first leg of their last-32 Copa del Rey clash.

Thomas Partey had sent Atletico ahead in the 17th minute, but Elche levelled early in the second period when Lolo Pla netted from the penalty spot.

Fernando Torres and Luciano Vietto both missed golden chances against the Segunda B club, and Simeone has admitted that his team lacked that killer touch in the final third of the field.

"The first half was very good, Augusto Fernandez had rhythm, Vietto and Torres had three openings each, Thomas was having a good game, [Miguel Angel] Moya had the right mentality to play with calmness," Simeone told reporters.

"The team wanted to win the game and all we were missing was success in front of goal. At the start of the second half, Elche did well and then towards the end we had chances again. The game is still very open ahead of the second leg."

Next up for Atletico is a home game against Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday afternoon.