Barcelona lead the standings on goal difference from Atletico ahead of the clash at Montjuic, but the Catalans have only won one of their last six matches in the competition.

In contrast, Atletico Madrid under Simeone continue to deliver impressive performances, winning their last six league matches, as part of a series of consecutive victories that reached 11 wins in all competitions.

Speaking about the match, Simeone said in a press conference on Friday: “It’s good because I’ve never won there before in my life. I’ve won everywhere, I won the league there. It’s a challenge to improve.”

“It cost us a lot. The numbers speak for themselves. In fact, I haven’t found the key yet,” Simeone continued. “The team works well as a unit, looking for opportunities in every game to hurt the opponent, compete, and improve.”

Simeone also expressed his admiration for Barcelona’s level, saying: “We are facing a team that plays very well. I like the young midfield they have. Rafinha is one of the best players in the league thanks to his courage and the way he plays. We have our strengths in the match, which will certainly be entertaining

On the other hand, Simeone enters the match with a full squad, while Barcelona misses the services of its star Lamine Yamal and defender Anders Christiansen due to injury, while Ansumane Fati will be available to participate in the match.

As for Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, he stressed that despite the team’s recent mixed results and Atletico having a postponed match, the result of this match should not be considered decisive for either team.

“I don’t see it as a final,” Flick said. “Saturday’s game will not decide the league title, because the season is still long and we have to keep working.”

“We lost the last two home games against Las Palmas and Leganes, but we are doing well against the big teams,” he added.

He explained: “This season we want to achieve big things and we will continue to work. The next step is to play well against a great team