Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said he was proud of his team's success in eliminating Barcelona twice in different competitions this season, even though the Catalan club had just secured the 2025/26 La Liga title.
"Barcelona is the team that plays the best football in the world. They won the league by playing very well, just like last season. And all I was thinking while watching the game was: 'We've eliminated this team twice, my God!'" Simeone said ahead of the match against Osasuna, as quoted by Goal on Tuesday.
Barcelona recently secured the La Liga title after defeating Real Madrid 2-0 at the Camp Nou. The victory puts Hansi Flick's side 14 points clear of Madrid with three games remaining.
Despite Barcelona's dominant domestic performance this season, Atletico Madrid have been able to deliver a blow in two crucial meetings in different competitions.
Los Colchoneros first eliminated Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate win. Atletico then halted the Blaugrana's progress again in the Champions League quarterfinals with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Simeone also praised Barcelona's performance under Hansi Flick. According to the Argentine coach, Barcelona have demonstrated a very high level of play throughout this season.
