Atletico coach Diego Simeone mentioned his staff put of their “weakest” efficiency of his 12-year reign in a 3-0 thrashing by Valencia on Saturday in La Liga. Los Che have began the season properly after flirting with relegation till the ultimate day of the earlier marketing campaign, and this was their greatest efficiency but below coach Ruben Baraja. Simeone has confronted many alternative Valencia coaches over nearly 12 years in cost and had solely misplaced twice earlier than this defeat at Mestalla in 28 clashes.

“We had the weakest game since I arrived at the club, and we have to congratulate our opponents,” mentioned Simeone.

Defeat was the worst manner for Atletico to arrange for the beginning of their Champions League marketing campaign on Tuesday at Lazio. “They came into the game with a lot more intensity and if you don’t match it … it’s impossible to win any game,” mentioned Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

“They deserved to win, we have to congratulate them and we have to look in the mirror. We know we can give a lot more than we gave today.

“We lacked all the things right now… we performed a really unhealthy recreation, we misplaced 3-0 and that hurts so much.”

Atletico suffered their first defeat of the season as they went down without a fight. Spanish striker Duro, 23, slid in at the near post to fire into the roof of Oblak’s net after just five minutes.

The forward kept his composure to beat the Slovenian goalkeeper again when sent through on goal by Fran Perez after shrugging off Axel Witsel.

“It was vital to win after two defeats and we did it towards an excellent opponent,” said Duro. “We could also be a small squad however we’ll give all the things.”

Javi Guerra struck the third goal with a fine solo move and finish inside Oblak’s near post as Los Che continued to dominate. Valencia could have increased their lead but Oblak saved well from Diego Lopez in the final stages, among other openings.

“I’m not in any respect offended, I do know the gamers we now have, the group within the dressing room, however I settle for it once we’ve performed a foul match,” added Simeone.

Earlier Athletic Bilbao earned a convincing 3-0 win over Cadiz to climb provisionally second behind leaders Real Madrid, who host Real Sociedad Sunday. Champions Barcelona welcome Real Betis later Saturday.