Atletico Madrid Faces Crucial Stretch Despite Key Injuries

Simeone transformed Atletico into a formidable team challenging for titles.

“Since his arrival as manager in 2011, Diego Simeone has transformed Atletico Madrid from an under-performing side, struggling for consistency both domestically and in Europe, into a formidable outfit winning silverware and consistently challenging in the Champions League”

BBC

He delivered Atletico's first La Liga title in 18 years and won it again in 2021.

BBC

After more than 14 years, questions over his future are simmering.

Atletico sit fourth and are 16 points behind leaders Barcelona.

They face Barcelona three times in two weeks.

Simeone's managerial record: 786 games, 465 wins, 170 draws, 151 defeats.

Atletico face Barcelona for the fourth time this season, with two more Champions League meetings to come.

Simeone believes the clash will be decided by the quality of the players rather than tactics.

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He has only won 11% of La Liga games against Barcelona.

The two managers will face each other three times in 11 days.

Injuries to key players put Atletico in a concerning situation.

“Atletico Madrid face Barcelona for the fourth time this season on Saturday, though there are still two Champions League meetings to come”

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They will be without Cardoso, Sørloth, Pubill, and Llorente for the La Liga clash.

Pubill had been establishing himself as a starter and is a key piece in the lineup.

His potential absence would be a heavy blow against Barcelona.

Simeone faces doubts and little margin for error.