Simeone Atlético Madrid Barcelona La Liga preview, Digi Mart USA News: On Sunday evening at 9 p.m., a major La Liga showdown takes place as Atlético Madrid host FC Barcelona. The match pits first place against second, and Atlético coach Diego Simeone, 56, has shown considerable respect for his opponent before the meeting.
Speaking about games against Barça, the Argentine said: “We always play against a very good team, possibly the best – I have no doubt about that – which has enormous talent from midfield to attack. It will be a hard and difficult game, as always against Barcelona, and we must set it up so that we can hurt them where we think it is possible.”
Simeone knows firsthand how dominant Barça can be. The coach has faced the Catalans 46 times in total.
The sobering record: eight wins, twelve draws and 26 defeats.
Simeone hopes to add a win to that record on Sunday, but Atlético must first stop Barcelona’s hot attack. Forward Raphinha, 29, and right winger Lamine Yamal, 19, have already scored 19 and 13 goals respectively.
Simeone also gave Raphinha high praise: “For me he is an exceptional footballer – hardworking, fast, dangerous in front of goal and with many assists. I think he showed an incredible performance last season, and now he has started brilliantly in a different position, where he also plays very well and which opens up numerous possibilities for a team with many variations.”
Atlético are not willing to surrender, however. “We know that we will have to fight for much of the game, and of course we will try to shape the match the way we have imagined it,” said Simeone.
If successful, Madrid would overtake Barcelona in the table and move to the top of La Liga. Barcelona currently sit two points ahead of Simeone’s side.
