Messi to miss next two World Cup qualifiers

In just a matter of days, one of Atletico Madrid's most promising seasons turned into great disappointment.

- Associated Press

MADRID:

Playing well and with confidence, Atletico looked poised for a deep run in the Champions League, and was holding steady at the top of the Spanish league, in position to fight for both titles. Then came a pair of setbacks, both at home and in heart-breaking fashion.

First it was a penalty shoot-out loss to Real Madrid in the round of 16 in the Champions League last Wednesday, and four days later a 4-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish league after Diego Simeone's team had led 2-0 midway through the second half.

Simeone was left searching for answers for the team's sudden struggles, and looking for ways to put it back on track for what is left of the season. "What can we do?" the head coach said. "On Wednesday we get back to training, with the same motivation as always, with the same spirit, and accepting that it is what it is."