Diego Simeone offers no excuses

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has refused to offer any excuses following his side's 2-0 loss to Almeria in the league at the weekend.

The defeat, which was Atletico's third of the season and their second in the space of three days, dropped the capital outfit off top position in La Liga.

"It was a game where our opponent tried to play," Simeone told reporters.

"In the first-half we could have gone in front. We had the chances, but in football these things happen. We're not looking for excuses.

"We can't blame the referee, the wind or anything. Our opponent did a great job and congratulations to them."

Atletico face Real Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday.