Simeone: Crazy second half cost Atletico

The Argentine coach saw his side rescue a 2-2 draw with Malaga on Saturday but insists their season is still very much alive and kicking
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was left to rue a "crazy second half" as his side were held to a 2-2 draw at Malaga on Saturday.

The reigning Liga champions went ahead thanks to a first-half Antoine Griezmann strike before the hosts turned the game on its head thanks to a Fernando Torres own goal and a neat Samu finish.

Griezmann smashed home a 78th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for Simeone's side with his 18th league goal of the season, and the Argentine coach admits it could have been worse.

"The second half was so crazy, it wasn't good for us," Simeone said.

"It's an important result for our league campaign. We drew and we were not that bad. This year we have changed a lot but we can still compete. This is an important point that allows us to carry on."

The draw leaves third-placed Atleti four points clear of fourth-placed Valencia, who host Levante on Monday.

"We wanted to win and get the three points, but it was not possible," said Griezmann, who has scored 10 goals in his last 11 games for the club.

"It was a tough, intense game. Now we must think about the Champions League and then again come back to the league. We have to try to win every game."

On Tuesday, Atleti host city rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.