Two matches decided a Barcelona versus Atlético Madrid duel and a header from Diego Godín helped reinforce the idea that Cholo Simeone performs well against the Catalan giants. But the reality is more nuanced.
Simeone has managed to balance his poor head-to-head record with Barcelona. The Atlético Madrid coach has secured only two league wins over Barcelona in LaLiga, and the two teams are set to face off again in Montjuïc on Sunday, December 3, 2023, with kick off at 9 p.m. local time.
All the details of the LaLiga 23-24 encounter between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid should be followed for those interested in the outcome and the tactical approach employed by both sides as the season unfolds.
The idea that Simeone can neutralize Barcelona is often supported by mentions of two Champions League clashes and a late goal from Godín, yet those moments have not reliably translated into a sustained advantage. Atlético Madrid did win in the 2014-15 quarterfinals with a 1-0 win in Madrid after a 1-1 draw in Barcelona, and again in 2016 with a 2-0 victory at the Metropolitano after a 2-1 loss at the Camp Nou. Nevertheless, such results did not create a consistent pattern that guarantees success against Barcelona in league play or other competitions.
In earlier years, a famous goal by Godín at the Camp Nou altered the trajectory of a title race and left a lasting memory for Atlético supporters. A notable bright moment came in the 2019-20 season when Atlético earned a comeback victory against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, reinforcing the belief that the Madrid club can rise to the occasion against its historic rival. That win, celebrated at the Metropolitano, is remembered as a significant milestone in their head-to-head history.
Overall, Simeone’s results against Barcelona in all competitions have not been favorable. Across 34 matches, Atlético Madrid has won five times, drawn 11, and lost 18. Atlético’s side has found the back of the net 31 times while conceding 47, underscoring the ongoing challenge of consistently overcoming Barcelona across different formats and generations of players.