Atletico Madrid attacker Saul Niguez says they paid for their slow start in defeat to Eibar.

It seems to have become a recurring theme for Los Rojiblancos this campaign, something that the long-serving midfield recognised after the 2-0 defeat at Ipurua.

"The start [to the match] was bad again, and this has happened many times.

"It is a problem of the players, of each of us.

"We struggled to get into the game, [Eibar] created chances and we went down a goal early.

"We were better in the final stretch of the first part and the second half was good, but we did not create clear chances.

"We lacked fluidity as well as that accuracy in the long balls.

"We lacked desire despite being on good form. It is a tough one to take," Saul fumed.