Thomas Partey's Atletico Madrid coach calls for improvement after Qarabag draw

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has urged his players improve their performance following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Rojiblancos fell behind to Michel Medera's 40th minute at the Wanda Metropolitano before Ghana's Thomas Partey rescued a point for the hosts with a sublime strike in the 56th minute.

Speaking to the press after the match, Simeone lauded the exploits of the visitors goalkeeper but implored his charges to recover from the setback.

“Seeing the second half, the lads did what they had to. The result isn’t what we wanted. Their goalkeeper had a great match and Qarabag defended very well,” he said. “It’s clear the result isn’t what we wanted and we’ll keep on insisting.”

"The team had numerous opportunities in the second half, but couldn’t find the winning goal."

“Like in Elche, Baku, the match against Villarreal and tonight, the team looked and gave it all for the win. In the second half, the team hiss merits to win. Destiny didn’t want it. We have to keep working hard and improve.”