Under the lights at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Diego Simeone had just watched Atlético Madrid take the capital derby 2-1 against Real Madrid, yet his thoughts travelled north to Barcelona. The Atlético coach used the moment after his side’s emphatic victory to underline the level being set by Hansi Flick’s league leaders.
Seven rounds into the Spanish season, Atlético have climbed to second on 16 points, level with Real Betis and five behind Barcelona on 21. Real Madrid, beaten in the derby, remain fourth with 15. For Simeone, however, the table only confirms what Barcelona’s football has already suggested.
“They are playing brilliantly; it looks as if they are involved in a different sport from the one we play,” the Argentine said. He pointed to the unexpected attacking output of Raphinha, who has scored 12 goals in seven matches, as well as Lamine Yamal’s seven-goal contribution.
“They did not have a number nine and then Raphinha appeared,” Simeone said. “The numbers are incredible.”
Barcelona’s pressure draws Simeone’s admiration
Simeone’s assessment went beyond Barcelona’s scoring figures. He highlighted the intensity of Flick’s pressing, their willingness to take risks and their response when opponents do find a way through.
Barcelona press high in the opposition half, he said, taking away time from rivals and refusing to retreat from their approach. “They are not afraid to take risks or concede a goal, because it seems that if they concede, they become even worse for you,” Simeone added.
For the Atlético manager, the conclusion was clear: Barcelona are currently the strongest side in La Liga, both in results and in the standard of football they have shown so far.
