Simeone defends Atletico team selection after defeat to Sevilla

Diego Simeone believes his team selection was not the reason for Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Sevilla.

Atleti lost 2-1 to Sevilla, who subsequently moved out of the relegation zone in LaLiga, though Simeone’s starting lineup had a very different look than usual.

He made seven changes from the side that lost to Barcelona in the league last weekend, though two of those decisions were forced as Nicolas Gonzalez and Koke were suspended.

The average age of Atletico’s starting line-up was 23 years and 289 days, the youngest ever sent out by Simeone in the Spanish top-flight, and it showed.

Despite trailing at the break, Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez, Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone were all unused substitutes during the defeat.

Atleti face Barca again in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday, with Simeone’s side currently leading the tie 2-0.

23 – Today’s starting XI against Sevilla, averaging 23 years and 289 days, is Atlético Madrid’s youngest ever in a @LaLigaEN match under Diego Pablo Simeone.

Fresh. pic.twitter.com/9QN2wbKlPR

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 11, 2026

The Argentinian coach insisted his side did not lose because of his changes or due to their minds being on the Champions League, but rather due to Sevilla’s desire to win.

“For me, age doesn’t matter. Some players understand the game, others don’t,” he said. “We did more good things than bad; the truth is, the opponent desperately needed to win.

“We competed very well, but we couldn’t create as many scoring opportunities as we wanted.

“We had much more possession than I would have liked; I preferred to be direct and intense in transitions, but we couldn’t manage that. We ended up with a result that was narrow and that we could have drawn.

“Atletico didn’t win because Sevilla was more clinical. We have a plan, but that doesn’t mean it will work out well or badly. I have a plan, and I’m not going to deviate from it.”