Simeone Eyes First Away Win Over Barcelona

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, the longest-serving coach in La Liga, is aiming for his first away victory against Barcelona when the two teams meet on Saturday.

Atletico visits Barcelona with both teams on 38 points, a situation that seemed unlikely less than two months ago when Barcelona led the standings by 10 points.

Simeone’s in-form side has achieved 11 consecutive wins across all competitions, effectively erasing Barcelona’s lead. Barcelona has played one more game than the capital club ahead of the final round of the year before the winter break.

Simeone told reporters on Friday: “What we’ve been discussing for a month and a half is that the team is working well as a unit, seeking opportunities in every match to threaten opponents, compete, and improve. We’ll face a team that plays very well; I admire the young players in their midfield. Raphinha is one of the best players in the league with his courage and style. We have our strengths, and the match will undoubtedly be exciting.”

Although Atletico has not won away at Barcelona since 2006, Simeone remembers clinching the league title at Camp Nou with a draw in the final match of the 2013-14 season.

Simeone, who has led the team to two league titles, said: “It’s fine that I’ve never won there in my life. I’ve won everywhere else and claimed the league there. It’s a challenge to improve. It’s cost us a lot, and the numbers speak for themselves. Clearly, I haven’t found the key (to winning away against Barcelona).”