Atlético Madrid star Koke was in defiant mood, on the back of his side’s disappointing defeat at the hands of Athletic Club this evening.
Atléti, and Athletic, of course locked horns a short time ago, in the first-leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie between the clubs.
And, when all was said and done, it was the latter who emerged on the right side of an impressive result.
Owing to Álex Berenguer’s first-half spot-kick, Ernesto Valverde’s visitors departed the Wanda Metropolitano with a crucial lead to hold onto ahead of the reverse fixture later this month.
With the tie’s 2nd leg set to play out at the fortress that is San Mamés, many of an Atlético persuasion have tonight bemoaned the uphill task that now faces their side in efforts to clinch a Copa final berth.
As alluded to above, though, one individual adamant that Diego Simeone’s troops remain very much in the tie, comes in the form of Koke.
Speaking to the media post-match in Madrid, Rojiblancos captain Koke was drawn on the challenge which awaits in San Sebastián on February 29th.
And the midfielder went on to assure:
“Just as they beat us here, we can beat them there.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
