Atletico Madrid loses to Barcelona, continuing their poor KOE record.

There were questions about Diego Simeone’s team selection for Sunday’s match against Barcelona because Koke, the club captain, was not included in the starting lineup at the Camp Nou.

Despite being listed on the substitutes’ bench, it was later discovered that the 31-year-old was unable to participate because of muscle pain he had sustained during Atletico’s final practice before the game.

Since several seasons ago, Koke has been a crucial component of the Atletico Madrid teams, and this season is no exception. During Sunday’s game, which Barcelona won 1-0, his presence in the middle of the field was sorely missed.

According to Diario AS, the outcome maintained Atletico’s dismal track record without Koke. In seven games this season without their captain (Real Betis in October), Simeone’s team has only one victory.

Midweek, when Atletico Madrid plays Mallorca at the Metropolitano, Simeone will be desperate for Koke to play again.

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