Atlético Madrid’s coach is hoping for an entertaining match.
Diego Simeone, the longest-serving coach in La Liga, has led Atlético Madrid to two league titles during his tenure. However, he has never tasted victory at Barcelona’s home ground. This time, the Argentine coach is determined to end that long drought.
In a high-voltage La Liga clash, Atlético will face Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. The match kicks off at 2:00 AM Bangladesh time.
At the start of November, Barcelona was 10 points clear of Atlético in the league standings. But a slump saw Barcelona win just one of their last six matches, while Atlético secured victories in all their last six games. Both teams now have the same number of points. Barcelona tops the table with 38 points from 18 matches, with Atlético in second, trailing only on goal difference despite playing one game less.
Including all competitions, Atlético has won their last 11 matches in a row. Simeone credits this consistency to the strong unity within the squad.
“For the past month and a half, we’ve been saying that our team is working excellently as a group, looking for ways to attack, compete, and improve in every match,” said Simeone.
“We’re about to face a team that plays very well. I really like their young midfield. Raphinha is becoming one of the league’s best for his courage and playing style. We’re energized for this match—it’s bound to be an entertaining one.”
Simeone has been managing Atlético since 2011. The last time Atlético won at Barcelona’s ground was in 2006. In the 2013-14 season finale, they managed a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, which was enough to secure the league title. Reflecting on that moment, Simeone shared his thoughts:
“In my career, I’ve never won there (Barcelona’s home ground). I’ve won everywhere else, and even won the league there.”
