Atletico Madrid Players Apologize for Disappointing UCL Exit
The 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage has come to a close, and for some European giants, it brought a harsh and unexpected reality.
Among the most talked-about exits is that of Atletico Madrid, whose campaign ended in disappointment after a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen at the Civitas Metropolitano.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak was one of the first players to address the fans, expressing deep regret over the team’s early elimination.
In an emotional post-match interview, Oblak said,
“It’s a very cruel way to go out, but it’s football. We’ve done everything to win, but previous games punished us. We lacked that bit of luck. The fans deserve so much more. We are very sorry. It’s the fault of the whole team, not just tonight, but the entire campaign.”
Atletico’s UCL run came to an abrupt end after failing to secure victory in a match that had everything, from missed chances to last-minute heartbreak.
The drama peaked with Yannick Carrasco’s injury-time penalty being saved, followed by a rebound hitting the crossbar and another shot deflecting off Carrasco himself.
Coach Diego Simeone didn’t shy away from responsibility either. In his post-match comments, he admitted:
“We failed to deliver. The final sequence, a missed penalty, hitting the bar, then the rebound, sums up our European campaign.
It wasn’t luck. It was lack of forcefulness. Now, we must decide if we act like victims or fight back like the strong.“
Europa League Still in Sight
While the Champions League door has slammed shut, Atletico still has a route to salvage their European season through the Europa League.
Their final group-stage fixture will be a critical one.
To finish third in Group B, they must better Bayer Leverkusen’s result in the last round of matches.
Atletico faces FC Porto, while Leverkusen takes on Club Brugge.
A slip-up from the German side could hand Simeone’s team another chance, albeit in a different competition.
For a club of Atletico’s stature, dropping to the Europa League is not ideal, but winning it could restore pride and give players and fans something to hold onto this season.
Group B at a Glance: Tight Margins, Big Consequences
Here’s how Group B looked after the penultimate round:
Club Brugge: Qualified early with strong performances
FC Porto: Clinched second with dominant results late on
Bayer Leverkusen: Fighting for Europa League slot
Atletico Madrid: At risk of finishing last
The group was competitive, but Atletico’s missed opportunities, including a goalless draw in Brugge and a loss in Germany, proved costly.
Despite their squad depth and experience, the team failed to convert pressure into points.
Fan Frustration and the Road Ahead
Supporters have every right to feel disappointed. Atletico’s failure to progress is their first Champions League group-stage exit since 2017.
The financial and reputational costs are significant, but perhaps more damaging is the blow to morale.
Still, all is not lost. Atletico Madrid can now channel their energy into domestic competitions and a potential Europa League run.
But it will take resilience, clarity, and a renewed fighting spirit, something the club has always prided itself on.
Time will tell if Simeone and his squad can rise from this low point and give their fans the season they deserve.
Atletico Madrid Vs Bayer Leverkusen Highlights (2-2, UCL 22/23)
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