Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone thanked local fans after their Spanish Super Cup semifinal defeat to Real Madrid.

Atletico lost 5-3, having taken the tie into injury-time.

Simeone admits he was left impressed by the home support in Riyadh: "First, very happy to hear the people from Arabia who came to encourage us, we feel very close to them in the stands and it is very important for the growth of the club.

"In 90 minutes we played a very good game, with situations to improve, but the feeling of always being strong. Unfortunately in the end, in the 86th they deservedly achieved the tie due to their insistence. In extra time we were able to keep the game going, they were better and in the extra time they were fair winners.

"We had a lot of support from people outside, we felt the support of the people and it gave us strength to compete against one of the best teams in the world, it was noticeable that we know how to compete."

He added, "Possibly we have been stronger, we need to grow and I am the one who must find the tools to have that defensive strength that we always had because we have a great team at the top. It's like when I arrived at the club, the team scored goals but didn't defend as well. It's my responsibility."