Alex Baena admits intensity drop cost Atletico Madrid in 2-1 loss to Barcelona

Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena admitted his side paid the price for a second-half drop in intensity during their 2-1 defeat against Barcelona at the Metropolitano, as reported by Barca Universal.​

Baena felt Diego Simeone’s team matched Hansi Flick’s side during the opening period, but lamented Atletico’s lack of clinical finishing and failure to maintain maximum energy after half-time.

A brace from Fermin Lopez completed Barcelona’s comeback after Atletico allowed the visitors to dictate control.​

Critiquing his team’s performance, Baena remarked:

“When you let Barça have more possession, they take control of the match. We didn’t give that 120% we’d given in the first half, and when you drop to 100%, Barça dominate you. We’ll try to keep giving 120 per cent for the full 90 minutes because that’s where the team needs to improve.”

​Despite the setback, Baena insisted Atletico remain capable of competing with Europe’s top clubs if they sustain their highest performance levels throughout matches.