´I haven´t found the key´ – Simeone seeking first LaLiga away win over Barca

Diego Simeone acknowledged he has still not “found the key”, as the Atletico Madrid boss targets his first ever away win over Barcelona in LaLiga.

The top two – both of whom have 38 points – collide in a blockbuster clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday, with the winners set to occupy LaLiga’s summit heading into 2025.

Atletico, who have a game in hand on the Blaugrana, are in second place due to an inferior goal difference, and riding the crest of a wave, having won each of their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Simeone famously guided Los Rojiblancos to the domestic title in 2014 following a 1-1 draw away at Barca on the final day of the season.

Incredibly, the Argentine has never previously overseen a league win against the Blaugrana away from home, with Atleti’s last such win coming in 2006.

But he is looking forward to the challenge of putting that right.

“What we’ve been talking about for a month-and-a-half, the team is working well as a unit, looking for opportunities in each game to hurt the opponent, to compete and improve,” Simeone told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“We face a team that plays very well. I like their youth in the midfield. Raphinha is one of the best in the league for his courage and style of play. We have our strengths for a game that will surely be entertaining.

“It’s a good thing I haven’t won there in my life. I’ve won everywhere, and I’ve won a league there. It’s a challenge to improve. It has cost us a lot. The numbers speak for themselves. Obviously, I haven’t found the key.”

Simeone also explained the reasoning behind not playing top scorer Julian Alvarez alongside Alexander Sorloth, with the latter limited to just seven starts this season despite being one of LaLiga’s leading marksmen last term.

“With players of Julian’s calibre, it’s very difficult to add more to his football,” the Atletico coach added.

“We have to try to surround him with people who can generate his best play and, from there, the positioning he’s had in these last few games gives him more freedom to generate what he generates.

“I’d like to put Sorloth, [Antoine] Griezmann and Julian together, but then the rest of the team will be exposed.”

El Niño. Iconic. pic.twitter.com/zkebrGMjXa

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 20, 2024