In a single word: Simeone avoids commenting on Vinicius's punishment

Diego Simeone sidestepped the question entirely rather than pass judgement on the ban dished out to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius picked up a four-match suspension after his red card against Villarreal in La Liga. Two games came for misconduct after he pulled an opponent's hair, with two more added for protesting to the referee.

Atletico Madrid know the territory. Their former player Iker Luque was handed a three-match ban last season during a reserve team fixture against Ponferradina.

Marca carried the Atletico boss's words from his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to face Espanyol in the ninth round of La Liga.

Simeone said: "The difference in punishments between Vinicius and Iker Luque? Espanyol."

One word. That was all the Argentine offered, steering the conversation straight back to the game and well away from the Real Madrid forward's punishment.

Turning to Saturday's fixture, Simeone explained: "There is always room for improvement in every aspect. Winning five matches does not mean you are doing things extremely well. There is always a bit of luck."

He noted: "Koke and Cardoso will not be available to us tomorrow, and that is why we have an important list of players. At the end of the season it will become clear just how important that is."

He stressed: "We are still in the building phase. We have to manage the players' minutes, but always with the aim of winning matches."