Simeone hurt after losing two Champions League finals

The Argentine coach was deeply hurt by the way his Atletico Madrid team collapsed in the European club championship match.

Yesterday's 2016 Champions League final played out in a completely different scenario to the one two years ago. But just like in 2014, Diego Simone's Atletico were once again on the losing side, against their city rivals Real.

Simeone was heartbroken as Atletico Madrid fell just short of glory for the second time in three years. Photo: Reuters.

"Nobody remembers the runners-up. Losing two finals like this is a failure. Now we have to go home and lick our wounds," Simeone said in a post-match press conference.

He admitted that he was partly responsible for these two defeats and felt guilty towards Atletico fans: "I don't know which of these two final defeats was more painful. What really hurt me was when I saw the pain of the fans who spent money and time to come here. I felt responsible for not being able to bring what the fans wanted. It was a real pain and will leave an aftertaste for many years."

After the two teams drew 1-1 in 90 minutes and then stalemate in extra time, Real won 5-3 in the fateful penalty shootout. Cristiano Ronaldo took the final kick, helping Real overcome Atletico for the second time in three years and win their 11th European Cup/Champions League title in history.

Simeone was heartbroken to see the pain of Atletico fans and believes this pain will continue to haunt Atletico for many years to come. Photo: Reuters.

After the pain, Simeone still sent his congratulations to his rival: "Atletico started the match very badly, and only tightened up the organization from the 20th minute onwards. In the second half, we could have equalized earlier, but we showed our will and resilience.Congratulations to Real Madrid. Once again they outclassed us, this time in a penalty shootout."

According to VNE