Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has stated that this season so far has been 'very good' for Los Rojiblancos, although the last games of the season will determine how their year is evaluated. Los Colchoneros goes in their semi-final second stage in the Copa del Rey against Barcelona (4-4 on aggregated) with a feeling that it is their last chance to exceed expectations this year.
The collisions between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been entertaining so far, with 17 goals in three games and a victory for both parties. Los Rojiblancos suffered a 4-2 defeat on the Metropolitano two games ago, but Simeone did not expect much in the way of changes.
“We will go through different periods. They will have a lot of possession. We will repeat the games we have shown. I don't think there will be many changes for them or for us. Every player will try to bring it where they can best perform,” he told the media.
The most important selection dilemmas from Simeone are on the left side of the team between Samuel Lino and Conor Gallagher, as well as on the left between Cesar Azpilicueta, Javi Galan and Reinildo Mandava. Captain Koke Resurreccion has also returned to fitness in midfield.
“We have good options with different characteristics. Gallagher plays more where Rodrigo does that, with a higher intensity, although Rodrigo has more talent. The same happens between Barrios and Koke: Barrios has more intensity and Koke has the opportunity to read the game … Possibly the best we have.”
“Cesar, Reinildo or Galan can play. All three are eager to play. I will decide who is going first,” Simeone commented in the left position.
Galan and Mandava have both started against Lamine Yamal, with neither of them particularly successful in stopping him, so that the experienced Azpilicueta might be a look. In the meantime, the shape of Antoine Griezmann has also been questioned in the last two months.
“During the season, everyone will continue for different moments. If we get used to so much talent, so many goals, and it doesn't show up, the need to return. I hope and want it to appear tomorrow.”
Simeone was asked if the season would be a failure if Atletico would be eliminated in the space of four games from the battle for all three most important titles, with a slender hope to revise a shortage of nine points in La Liga.
“Well, failure is a broad word. He who does not try, fails; he tries, does not fail. The season is going very well, maybe you have not heard that, so I will say it again, it has been a very good season. The result of the game will dictate whether the season is very good, extraordinary or average.”
Simeone was also asked about managing the last minutes of the game, after his side was unusually brittle in their last meeting, admitted four times in the last 20 minutes.
“I don't find it strange. The opponent plays with the same intensity during the game. They will have opportunities, they play fluently, with courage. We have to take the game to a place where we can hurt them and try to isolate them from that potential that we all see.”
Barcelona will have Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha completely suitable for the collision, although without Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado will be. Los Rojiblancos has a fully fit team, although Angel Correa has been suspended, and Juan Musso will start for Jan Oblak like the Copa del Rey. Atletico has caused Barcelona more problems than any other side this season, but the Catalan giants remain unbeaten in 2025.
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