Deportivo de A Coruña lost 1‑0 against Atlético de Madrid, but Uruguayan defender JoséMaríaGiménez left the match with the feeling of having led his team to a worthy result. After the match, the player expressed his gratitude for the support received at the Metropolitano and stated that the draw was deserved against a high-level rival.
Giménez, who has spent thirteen seasons at Atlético, faced his former team for the first time as a visitor. “In the end, this is football,” commented the player. "I am one of the people who manage this whole circus and my goal is to work, play football, provide a show to the people. Grateful for all the love and affection that the Metropolitano gave me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much. I will always carry it with me," he added, underlining the value of the experience lived in the red-and-white club.
The defender tried to maintain concentration and prevent emotions from affecting his performance. "I tried not to focus too much on situations, because this disrupts a lot and the head plays tricks. I came to do things in the best possible way to help the team and get a point that could not be given," he explained. Despite the pressure, Deportivo managed to close the match in the last phase, even with a clear scoring opportunity in the final minutes by Kevin.
Regarding the result, Giménez highlighted the collective effort: "The team did a great job against a great rival. We deserved the draw, it couldn't be achieved and now we have to think about the Cup on Thursday and the next game, which we have to win." He pointed out that the details, such as the rival's hierarchy and the goal that cost them the victory, made the difference, but that the team did not give up. "It is evident that they have a lot of hierarchy at the top and that goal penalized us. We did not give up and we kept trying. We deserved the draw," he concluded.
With the tie, Deportivo maintains its position in the table and prepares for the next phase of the Copa del Rey, where it will face Atlético de Madrid in a closer duel. The club must also organize its next league match, with the ambition of converting the point obtained into a victory. Giménez, for his part, will continue to contribute his experience and leadership in the upcoming games, while the team seeks to consolidate itself as a serious competitor in the national competition.