Atlético lost twice in five days, but only one defeat showed a way forward

Two big games, two defeats, one very different feeling. Atlético Madrid lost to Bayern Munich and then to Barcelona in the space of five days, but the way they lost says a lot about what Diego Simeone should do next.

What happened?

Against Barcelona, Atlético opened the scoring through Giuliano in the ninth minute and briefly went top of LaLiga (Spain's top division). Fermín equalised just before half-time, and Barça went on to win 2-1, leaving Atlético five points off the lead.

The first half was Atlético's. Julián Álvarez missed a one-on-one against goalkeeper Joan García, and Pubill's header from a corner hit the crossbar. Koke and Barrios looked like the best midfield pair Simeone can field.

Why are two defeats so different?

Against Bayern, the plan was to go long: goalkeeper Oblak and the centre-backs launching balls towards Sorloth and hoping for second balls. It failed.

Against Barcelona, Atlético played out from the back and beat Hansi Flick's high press several times. Several of this season's goals have started at Oblak's feet, and this squad seems more at home with that style than with direct play.

"We hurt Barcelona a lot, but we weren't sharp in front of goal," said Baena. "Watching the first half, we're at the same level." Simeone agreed, saying his players did what they wanted and created chances, but lacked the ruthlessness Barça showed.

There is a fitness question too. Baena has played 16 games, 13 as a starter, but finished only two. Barrios, back from a muscle injury three weeks ago, has gone from 60 minutes to about 75. Baena said you can't drop below 120 per cent against teams like this.

Álvarez, who has scored only two goals this season, was whistled again at the Metropolitano after his failed push to join Barcelona.

What's next?

The return from the international break will be demanding. In LaLiga, Atlético visit Getafe and Valencia, then go to the Camp Nou on Wednesday 2 December, a fixture moved forward because of the Spanish Super Cup in January.

In the Champions League, they host Norway's Viking and travel to PSV Eindhoven. Titles start to be decided from February, so Simeone wants his key players ready for full 90 minutes by then.