Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says defeat to Las Palmas last night was no surprise for him.

Simeone admits he always knew Las Palmas would be dangerous.

He said, "The opponent played very well, they deserved the win, we couldn't play the game we wanted to play and congratulate the opponent because they deserved the win.

"The boys gave everything, they have been making an effort match after match with great determination. We had goal chances in the first and second half, but this time it was not to be, and to prepare well for the Champions League match on Tuesday.

"What we were looking for was to put in fresh people and see if we could turn the game around. I think that at times the team improved but we didn't reach a draw.

"You threw me a lot of roses before the game and we didn't accept any because we knew they were a good team."