Diego Simeone on Atletico Madrid-Barcelona: 'Failure is a broad word - the season has been very excellent'.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has stated that this season has been 'very excellent' for Los Rojiblancos thus far, but the last games of the season will determine how their year is regarded. Los Colchoneros enter their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona (4-4 on aggregate), with some believing it is their last chance to exceed expectations this year.

So far, the confrontations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been fascinating, with 17 goals scored in three games and both teams winning. Los Rojiblancos suffered a 4-2 setback at the Metropolitano two games ago, but Simeone did not anticipate anything to change.

"We'll go through various times. They will have a lot of possessions. We'll play the same games we've been presenting. I don't believe there will be many changes for them or us. "Each player will try to take it to where they can perform best," he told reporters.

Simeone's primary selection issues have been on the left side of the team, between Samuel Lino and Conor Gallagher, and at left-back, between Cesar Azpilicueta, Javi Galan, and Reinildo Mandava. Captain Koke Resurreccion has also regained fitness in midfield.

"We have good choices with varying attributes. Gallagher plays with greater intensity than Rodrigo, while having more talent. Barrios and Koke have similar characteristics: Barrios is more intense, while Koke can read the game. "Possibly the best we've got."

"Cesar, Reinildo, and Galan can all play. All three are excited to play. "I'll decide who goes first," Simeone said about the left-back position.

Galan and Mandava have both taken on Lamine Yamal, but neither has been especially effective in stopping him, which may give the seasoned Azpilicueta a chance. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann's form in the last two months has been questioned.

"Everyone experiences different times throughout the season. When we become accustomed to so much skill and so many ambitions, and they do not appear, we feel the need for them to return. I hope and expect it to arrive tomorrow."

Simeone was asked if the season would be a failure if Atletico were eliminated from contention for all three major titles in four games, with low chances of overcoming a nine-point lead in La Liga.

"Well, failure is a broad term. He who does not attempt fails, but he who does try succeeds. The season is going extremely well; perhaps you didn't hear it, so I'll repeat it: it's been a very good season. "The outcome of each game will determine whether the season is extremely excellent, outstanding, or average.

Simeone was also questioned about handling the final minutes of the game, after his team was exceptionally brittle in their previous meeting, conceding four times in the final 20 minutes.

"I do not think it weird. The opponent maintains the same energy throughout the match. They will have chances, and they will play fluently and bravely. We need to raise the game to a level where we can damage them and separate them from the potential that we all perceive."

Barcelona will have Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha totally fit for the game, but they will be missing Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casado. Los Rojiblancos have a fully fit roster, although Angel Correa is suspended, and Juan Musso will start ahead of Jan Oblak in the Copa del Rey. Atletico Madrid has caused more trouble for Barcelona than any other team this season, but the Catalan giants are still unbeaten in 2025.