Josema Giménez acts as captain after losing hard against Rayo Vallecano: “He never hit us”

Atlético de Madrid’s defeat left a sense of helplessness within the purple and white locker room. The three-0 defeat towards Rayo is a really onerous blow in the course of the combat for the season’s goals. After the assembly, José María Giménez assumed the function of workforce spokesperson on the DAZN microphones. The Uruguayan middle again was clear and self-critical of the workforce’s efficiency and mentioned that they have been less than par.

From the primary minutes, Atlético was seen with out power or continuity within the recreation. Rayo, coached by Íñigo Pérez, imposed its rhythm and was extra intense within the duels. The excessive stress of the red-and-white workforce made the red-and-white workforce’s launch of the ball uncomfortable. Moreover, the effectiveness of the Vallecano workforce in each areas made the distinction.

Giménez summarized the collective feeling with a forceful phrase. “Once we give 99% it by no means gave us something.” The Uruguayan insisted that the angle and focus weren’t acceptable. His phrases replicate concern, but in addition duty. The locker room is aware of that it failed at a key second within the championship.

a nasty streak

The defeat marks the second in a row in LaLiga and the third recreation in a row with out profitable. A unfavourable dynamic that units off alarms within the decisive part of the course. Atlético has misplaced defensive solidity and offensive forcefulness. They’ve conceded avoidable targets and created fewer clear possibilities than typical. The regularity, important to compete for the title, has been diluted in latest weeks.

With this end result, the rojiblancos are fifteen factors behind the chief, Actual Madrid. The space is appreciable and appears definitive within the combat for LaLiga. The target of the home championship is nearly irreversibly difficult. The main focus now could be on guaranteeing qualification for the Champions League and stopping the outcomes disaster from prolonging.

Going for the Champions

Past the desk, the picture provided on the grass is of concern. Atlético didn’t present the depth that has outlined the Simeone period. They lacked aggressiveness in stress, forcefulness in protection and readability in assault. Too many shortcomings collectively towards a rival who had loads at stake and who competed with persona and conviction.

The purple and white followers expressed their discomfort on the finish of the match. The demand is most in a membership used to competing till the top and the calendar leaves no room for leisure. Every day will probably be decisive within the combat for European positions. The squad has expertise in stress conditions, however wants a right away response that should happen within the Champions League (Wednesday, 9:00 p.m.)

🗣️ “We did not play at 100%. Once we performed at 99% it by no means hit us and it will not hit us now”

José María Giménez’s self-criticism after Atlético de Madrid’s defeat #LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/0WelVsY1fl

— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) February 15, 2026

Giménez, one of many pure leaders of the locker room, took a step ahead. Its message factors to pleasure and collective dedication. Atlético is obliged to get better its aggressive essence as quickly as attainable. In any other case, the season could shut with extra shadows than lights. The workforce’s response will set the course for the approaching weeks, key to the way forward for the course.