Diego Simeone was left frustrated by a lack of consistency from La Liga's referees after Diego Costa was sent off for dissent in Atletico Madrid's 2-0 defeat at Barcelona.
Atletico went into the game eight points adrift of pacesetters Barca, meaning anything other than a win would be of little use in the title race.
Their chances took a major blow in the 28th minute when Costa was given his marching orders after appearing to say something to referee Jesus Gil Manzano.
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Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi secured the win – and probably La Liga – with goals in the last five minutes, though much of the post-match focus remained on Costa.