Jamie Leweling put VfB Stuttgart ahead in the 36th minute after the German side had pressed aggressively and created the better chances. Atletico Madrid improved after the break, with Ademola Lookman setting up Julián Álvarez to equalise shortly after half-time.
The visitors’ momentum was interrupted when Hjulmand was sent off in the 64th minute. Atlético reorganised and defended the draw through the closing stages, while also feeling aggrieved that a late penalty appeal for a challenge on Dávid Hancko was not reviewed.
Simeone acknowledged that his side had failed to cope with Stuttgart’s intensity in the opening period.
“I explained the characteristics of the opponent before the game: they are tough, they press well and they defend together,” he said, in comments reported by AS. “We couldn’t respond to their pressure.”
The Atlético manager felt the goal helped his players settle into the contest, with the team showing greater intent towards the end of the first half. The equaliser then appeared to put them in a stronger position, only for the red card to force another tactical adjustment.
“We spoke at half-time and knew the goal would come. The 1-1 arrived, then the sending-off came and we had to adapt to the match again,” Simeone said. “The players made a great effort.”
Simeone also addressed the challenge that led to Hjulmand’s dismissal, warning his players about the risks of committing to tackles on the ground.
“Every time we go to ground, the situation is dangerous. The image is striking and it leads to a sending-off. They will have to be more attentive because the image condemns you,” he said.
Despite the frustration, Simeone was pleased with Álvarez, whose goal ended a lengthy wait for a score in Atlético colours this season.
“He worked incredibly hard physically and did a lot of work on the left,” Simeone said. “The goal was a great goal. I’m very happy for him. We need him.”
Álvarez’s finish came from Lookman’s cutback, with the Argentine striking first time to level the match. The goal gave Atlético a platform to push for more before Hjulmand’s dismissal changed the contest again.
Simeone admitted that the penalty appeal for Hancko had left his team feeling aggrieved, but accepted that the result would not change.
“We’ll be left with the feeling that it was a penalty and it wasn’t given,” he said. “It changes nothing.”
Ultimately, the Atlético manager viewed the team’s late resistance as a reflection of the qualities he wants to see throughout the season.
“What we saw at the end of the first half and in the second, with eleven and with ten, is what we are: a team that works hard and makes great efforts,” he said. “We have to use our strengths to try to achieve the objectives the club wants.”