Barcelona 2-3 Atletico Madrid: 4 reasons why the Catalans lost the match | Spanish Super Cup 2019-20 

#3 Diego Simeone made inspired changes

Diego Simeone changed the game with his substitutions

Diego Simeone is easily one of the best managers of his generation and his work at Atletico Madrid is vastly underrated perhaps due to his more pragmatic methods. However, while many might not be fans of his ultra-defensive methods, the 49-year-old's tactical nous is not in doubt.

The former River Pate manager regularly alters the course of matches with his substitutions and this was also the case in the clash with Barcelona.

His first substitution saw him haul off Hector Herrera for Koke at half-time and this proved to be a stroke of genius, as his skipper scored with virtually his first kick of the game to put Atletico Madrid ahead.

His next change was more fortuitous, with Koke going off for Marcos Llorente after an injury and the former Real Madrid man helped bring solidity to the midfield and limit Barcelona's control (although he wasted a good chance late on when he elected to shoot at goal rather than square for Morata).

The third and final substitution saw Renan Lodl replaced with Vitolo, with Saul Niguez dropping back into the left-back role.

This was another inspired change. as the former Sevilla man was a thorn in the flesh of the Barcelona defence, constantly putting them on the backfoot with his direct running. It came as no surprise when he won the penalty to draw Atleti level.

It is no hidden secret that Diego Simeone has found the going tough against Barcelona in his managerial career but in Jeddah, he masterminded a famous victory to send his side to the final of the Spanish Super Cup.