Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is targeting victory in next month’s King’s Cup final against Real Madrid after his side failed to beat their city rivals for a 23rd straight game in La Liga on Saturday.

Atletico, who last triumphed against Real in a 3-1 win at the Bernabeu in 1999, play the Cup final at the same stadium on May 17, a chance to end over a decade of derby disappointment.

Saturday’s defeat, when they squandered the lead to lose 2-1, was their 10th reverse in their last 11 league meetings with Real at their Calderon arena.

It was one of their best chances of beating their rivals in recent years as coach Jose Mourinho rested several key players ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League game at home to Borussia Dortmund and Cristiano Ronaldo was absent through injury.

However, a Juanfran own goal cancelled out Radamel Falcao’s early opener and Real winger Angel Di Maria netted the winner midway through the second half.

“We will have another opportunity to beat Real on May 17,” Simeone told a news conference.

“It was a lost opportunity but there will always be more, next season as well,” added the Argentine, who has transformed the team since taking over midway through last season.

“We were closer than ever and there will be one match when the losing streak finally ends.”