Diego Simeone seeks maiden Nou Camp win at ninth attempt
Wednesday 21 September 2016 09:04, UK
Diego Simeone goes on the hunt of one of the few things to elude his successful stint at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday - a first win in nine attempts at the Nou Camp.
The Argentine's biggest achievement as Atleti boss came at Barcelona's iconic stadium in 2014, where a 1-1 draw sealed a first La Liga crown in 18 years for Los Colchoneros.
Live La Liga Football
Simeone has also dumped Barca out of the Champions League in two of the last three seasons, but he is yet to taste victory in the Catalan capital.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's clash, which is live on Sky Sports 2 HD, Simeone said: "In almost all the games we haven't been able to win it has been due to the merit of Barcelona.
"We have drawn a few games, but possibly we have never deserved to win based on the 90 minutes."
Atletico went ahead in both meetings with Barca at the Nou Camp last season before their quest was undone by costly red cards.
Dismissals for Filipe Luis and Diego Godin saw Barca overturn Atleti's lead to win January's La Liga meeting 2-1, before Fernando Torres' rash red card in April's Champions League quarter-final saw the Catalan side win by the same scoreline.
Barca's lethal front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have proved too hot even for Atletico's watertight defence to handle, and Simeone insisted Barca remain the best team in Spain despite trailing early La Liga leaders Real Madrid by three points.
How Luis Enrique has put the emphasis on Messi, Suarez and Neymar at Barcelona
"The truth is yes (Barca are the best team)," he added. "They continue to play brilliant football and have the players that most make the difference individually and collectively.
"Despite the fact they didn't win the Champions League last year, that puts them in an incredible place."
However, Atletico can call on an in-form superstar of their own - France international Antoine Griezmann.
Euro 2016's top scorer has found the net four times in his last two La Liga games as Atletico have bounced back from draws against Alaves and Leganes in their opening two la Liga fixtures to thrash Celta Vigo and Sporting Gijon.
And Simeone backed a campaign for Griezmann to end Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's dominance of the Ballon d'Or at this year's gala.
"Hopefully Antoine will be there because last year he had an enormous season. He has started strongly again this year," Simeone said. "The other day he played as a second striker and ended up defending like a second defensive midfielder.
"He is a player that offers us that option and hopefully he maintains that ambition that allows him to aspire to more every day."
Watch Barcelona v Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, 8.45pm, Sky Sports 2 HD
