Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone defended his players after they were dumped out of the Copa del Rey.

The second-leg finished 3-3 at the Wanda Metropolitano and Atleti are out having drawn 1-1 away at the Estadi Montilivi in the first leg.

"It was a beautiful match, a classic cup game," said Simeone. "We had the intention of winning at all times.

"We got an early goal [through Nikola Kalinic] and had chances to extend our lead.

"Girona's forceful nature was their greatest ally.

"Congratulations to Girona - we gave everything, we continued to go for the comeback, but the 3-3 hurt us."

The Argentine continued to make a point that his side tried their best, despite the elimination.

"I say to the fans what they saw: a side that gave everything," he responded when asked about what he would say to Atleti's supporters.

"The intention was always to win the game.

"Sometimes you play well and do not advance [to the next round]; I prefer to play badly and always go through."