Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone defended his selection for their 1-1 draw with Leganes.

With Diego Costa missing due to a muscular injury, Simeone sprung something of a surprise by opting to play Gelson – a pre-season arrival from Sporting CP – through the middle alongside Antoine Griezmann.

That left Kalinic – who started against Sant Andreu in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday – on the bench and he was only deployed in the final two minutes as Atlético chased a late winner.

"In the first half we didn't play how we wanted to, but we did in the second half," said Simeone.

"I think that the second half represented the game we wanted to play. We wanted to have players on the pitch who could dribble. Gelson had played well and scored a goal in the Copa del Rey.

"We have a lot of confidence in our players, and they know it and are ready to play."

Simeone's advice to Kalinic if he wants more playing time was simple.

"[He needs] to work," he said. "We trust everyone. Today he played two minutes, at Atlético two minutes are a lot. He played the other day, while Gelson had a good game in the Copa. I'm happy with the second half."