Coach 'blames' Richard Ríos for Atlético snub: I just can't... | OneFootball

The defeat of Atlético against Benfica began with the goal by Richard Ríos - who scored for the first time. At the end of the match, Pedro d'Oliveira, coach of the Alcântara team, did not believe that the Colombian's goal had dashed his team's ambitions, as they gave their all on the field.

After the match, speaking to the press present at the Estádio do Restelo, Atlético's coach began by praising his team's effort: "A very great pride. As long as we had strength, we looked them in the eye and created difficulties for one of the best teams in the world. Pride".

When asked about the strategy he devised to face José Mourinho's team, Pedro d'Oliveira noted that Atlético presented themselves in a similar manner as in other games: "It was very much about maintaining our identity, so that anyone watching could see what it means to be Atlético".

"If we swapped the team on the other side, our attitude would be the same. We had courage. Credit to Benfica in the second half. When we lacked strength, we did not lack courage", reiterated Atlético's coach, who was proud of his team's dedication.

Finally, Pedro d'Oliveira does not believe that Richard Ríos' goal broke his team, considering the minimal advantage: "I can't say that. At 1-0, we are always in the game. If it were the other way around, Benfica wouldn't let the game slip either".

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.