Key midfielder ruled out but Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid are in ‘a fantastic position’ before Barcelona

Atletico Madrid supervisor Diego Simeone has stated that his facet are in a improbable place going into the ultimate third of the season. Los Colchoneros are on the verge of the Copa del Rey ultimate, into the Spherical of 16 within the Champions League towards Tottenham Hotspur, and this weekend moved again into third in La Liga, albeit 13 factors off leaders Barcelona.

The as soon as piece of damaging information for Atletico going into the second leg of their semi-final with the Catalans is the absence of Pablo Barrios. Diario AS confirmed on Monday that the Spain midfielder would miss the conflict at Camp Nou, having not returned to coaching after a hamstring harm. Nicolas Gonzalez is predicted to be obtainable after his personal absence.

🇦🇷🤦‍♂️ Diego Simeone makes a Catalan journalist look ridiculous after his query.

Journalist: “With the 4–0 outcome within the first leg, proper after that scoreline there have been many feedback suggesting that if there was one staff able to failing to achieve the ultimate or shedding such an… pic.twitter.com/rbrBqGvPOF

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 2, 2026

Simeone following regular routine for Barcelona

Simeone appeared in good spirits earlier than dealing with Barcelona, and with a 4-0 benefit from the primary leg, he has loads of motive too. Los Colchoneros are getting ready for the match within the regular style.

“We method the match the way in which we at all times do towards any opponent: we all know their strengths, and we are able to play the sport we have to play. There’s not rather more to it.”

“Like we do for each match, we speak in regards to the recreation we’re going to play and the best way to take it the place we have to take it.”

‘We’re in a improbable place’ – Diego Simeone

Simeone did take poorly to a query suggesting that ‘if there was one staff who may lose by 4 within the second leg, it was Atletico’. El Cholo went on to say that he was delighted with their progress this season.

“We’re doing effectively within the Cup, effectively within the Champions League… Many situations are potential. We’re improbable within the place we’re in as a result of we’re preventing for what we need to struggle for.”

“I gave the whole lot as a participant, and now I’m not on the pitch anymore. I need to inform the lads that taking part in these sorts of matches is great. That you must play with high quality, expertise, religion, management, and above all, dedication.”

Simeone on defending Lamine Yamal

Within the first leg, Atletico not solely put Barcelona to the sword, however managed to maintain the Blaugrana comparatively quiet in entrance of objective. Matteo Ruggeri did a stable job on Lamine Yamal, however the teenage star hit kind this weekend with a hat-trick towards Villarreal.

“He’s an excellent participant, a game-changer, particularly within the ultimate third. We are able to assault down that facet and drive him into the world the place he feels most uncomfortable, which is defending.”

The second leg of the semi-final will get underway at 21:00 CEST at Camp Nou on Tuesday. The winner will face one among Actual Sociedad or Athletic Membership within the ultimate, with the Txuri-Urdin 1-0 up over Los Leones.