Barcelona Must Learn from Past Mistakes Against Atletico, Says Flick
Barcelona must take valuable lessons from their previous encounters with Atletico Madrid if they are to secure their first victory against Diego Simeone’s side this season. However, manager Hansi Flick insists that Sunday’s showdown will not be the defining moment of the LaLiga title race.
With Barcelona and Real Madrid locked on 57 points at the summit of LaLiga and Atletico trailing by just one point, the title race remains finely poised. Real Madrid have the chance to edge ahead with a victory over Villarreal on Saturday, though Barcelona hold a crucial game in hand.
Flick’s men have struggled against Atletico this season, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home in LaLiga and playing out a dramatic 4-4 draw in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Both encounters were marked by late drama, with Alexander Sorloth netting stoppage-time goals in both matches to deny Barcelona victory.
“I think we played two great matches,” Flick told reporters ahead of Sunday’s fixture. “We need to be fully focused from the first whistle to the last. In the first game, we lacked concentration at the end, and in the second, we had lapses both at the start and finish. That’s something we must correct. Mistakes against Atletico can be costly, and we have to defend better.”
Despite the high stakes, Flick dismissed suggestions that the result would be decisive in the title race.
“LaLiga is a long competition, and this is just one match,” he said. “Of course, a win would be a massive confidence boost and strengthen our belief, but there is still a long way to go. Every team in LaLiga is competitive, and winning is never easy.”
Atletico head into the clash on the back of a heartbreaking Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, losing on penalties in the last 16. While some have speculated that the grueling extra-time battle could leave Simeone’s squad fatigued, Flick remains unconvinced.
“They have a fantastic squad, not just 11 or 14 players,” he said. “They are experienced, fit, and prepared. I don’t think fatigue will be a factor.”
Atletico striker Julian Alvarez was at the center of controversy during that match when his converted penalty was ruled out due to a double touch following a slip. Flick expressed sympathy for the Argentine forward, who has been in superb form with 22 goals in all competitions this season.
“It was really unfortunate. I feel for him,” Flick said. “He’s a fantastic player, one of the best strikers in the world, but these things happen in football.”
As the LaLiga title race intensifies, Barcelona’s ability to learn from their past mistakes against Atletico could prove crucial. Sunday’s encounter promises to be another thrilling chapter in a fiercely contested campaign.