Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone defended his players after their 1-1 draw with Girona.

Antoine Griezmann's first half opener was cancelled out after a Jose Gimenez mistake allowed Portu to equalise just 17 minutes from the end.

"According to you we are very bad, however according to me we are doing fine," he explained in his post-match press conference

"The match was well played, we controlled a dangerous opponent but it's clear a goal always gives a team a chance to draw.

"Sometimes these games go in your favour, as happened against Eibar, yet today in a rare moment it went against us."

Both Diego Costa and Griezmann were withdrawn by the former River Plate coach, much to the bemusement of home supporters; however Simeone moved to justify both calls.

"Costa had discomfort in his hamstring in the first half, I preferred to remove him to ensure he didn't get hurt," he intimated.

"Griezmann understood that the match was controlled and that the presence of Koke would improve us in midfield. By the way, he is one of the best football players in Spanish football.

"People will always be angry because they wanted us to win."