David Luiz believes Diego Costa’s penalty was the turning point in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Atlético Madrid.
The Brazilian-born Spanish international netted from the spot after 60 minutes to give Atlético a 2-1 lead on the night. Moments before the foul on Costa by Samuel Eto’o, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also made an outstanding save to deny John Terry.
“We controlled the game in the first half and we conceded [the equaliser] in the last minute of it, which was difficult for us," said David Luiz, as reported by The Guardian. “They played as we did in the first leg, defending well and counter-attacking. In the second half – one penalty. Then we almost scored and at 2-2 it would have been a different game. We lost our organisation a bit after that.
“It is football. We need to be men and it"s not always possible to win. The season we won [the Champions League in 2011-12], it was a shit season until the end and then we won two titles [including the FA Cup]."
Following Costa’s penalty, Arda Turan netted a crucial third to put Atlético 3-1 ahead. Diego Simeone’s side held out to progress to the final, where they will face Real Madrid.
