Head coach Hansi Flick van Barcelona has said that his side should learn the lessons from their previous two meetings against Atletico Madrid, but the LaLiga title race will not define the result on Sunday.
The Side of Flick is currently top of Laliga with a match in hand, but are on points with the second Real Madrid placed, while Atleti is only one point behind the matches of Saturday.
Barcelona was beaten 2-1 in Atletico Madrid in the reverse match in December, while at the end of last month they were 4-4 in the Copa del Rey Semi-Final First Been, with two more goals to go with six minutes.
“I think we played two great matches. We have to be focused from the start of the game until the end of the game,” Flick told reporters.
“In the first game we were not as focused as we could be at the end of the game. In the second game we were not at the beginning and the end.
“We have to take care of that. If you make mistakes against Atletico, they can hurt you. This is what we have to defend.”
“It's a long way to go in the competition, it's one competition. If we win, it will be very good for our trust and give us more faith.
“I always say that Laliga clubs know how to play football, it's not easy to win against such teams.”
Hansi Flick: “I see the team very focused. We look forward to it because it is a heavy match. We are prepared. ”#Atletibarça pic.twitter.com/WDWZ1IFKDS
– FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) March 15, 2025
Atletico Madrid comes here in the back of their controversial punishment at home in Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.
But Flick boxed every conversation about their hosts who are physically lagging behind after the efforts of playing extra time and penalties on Wednesday.
“For me they have a fantastic team. They are not only 11-14 players. They have a really good team and this is no problem,” he said.
“They are fit, they have experienced players in the team. I don't think it makes a difference.”
Julian Alvarez became the center of controversy on Wednesday, with his converted penalty it was not allowed after he had touched the ball twice as he fell over. In the meantime, Flick said that Alvarez was unlucky.
“It was an unfortunate situation, I really feel for him,” he said. “He is a fantastic player, he is one of the best strikers, but it happens.”
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