De jong: luck isn't on our side, but we're building something

De Jong delivered a blunt assessment of Atlético Madrid’s latest clash, admitting a frustrating lack of fortune despite dominating both encounters. It’s a sentiment that’s becoming increasingly familiar for the young Dutch midfielder.

A game of near misses and dubious calls

He conceded that a sliver of bad luck played a part, despite the team’s evident superiority and control of possession. “We’ve tried everything,” he stated, “but the bounces just weren’t going our way. We’re playing at a high level, feeling confident, yet the scoreboard stubbornly refused to reflect our performance.”

The first leg’s defining moment, Pubill’s red card and penalty, was highlighted, with De Jong hinting at some questionable refereeing decisions – a point he revisited, noting “a couple of doubtful calls” in the initial match. He doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truth: “In the first game, undoubtedly so.”

But he isn’t dwelling on setbacks. The team’s trajectory, he insists, is undeniably upward. “Clearly, we've been demonstrating quality over the last two years, winning titles. We’re a young team with a lot of quality, competing at the highest level.”

Laliga ambition and a persistent hunger

“LaLiga is very important,” De Jong acknowledged. “The best team wins. It’s a hugely significant title.” He paused, a flicker of frustrated intensity in his voice. “But the feeling is there. If we continue like this, something has to shift. Luck needs to come our way.”

It’s a pragmatic, almost weary, observation – a statement born not of defeat, but of a determined belief in the team’s potential. The future, he suggests, is not guaranteed, but it’s brimming with possibility. And frankly, it's about time that fortune smiled.