Diego Simeone said he was looking for solutions to secure his first league win in Barcelona as Atlético Madrid coach on Saturday.

The Argentine manager was responsible for the Rojiblancos since 2011. Atlético’s last LaLiga win against Barça was in February 2006.

“I’ve won in other places in the league, but I didn’t win at Barça,” Simeone said on Friday. “There is always the challenge of improving and the numbers speak for themselves. I haven’t found a solution yet.”

Atlético faced Barça 25 times in LaLiga under Simeone, losing 16 times, drawing seven and winning just twice. They achieved both victories on home soil.

Atlético goes into the encounter at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona full of motivation, as a win would put them at the top of the LaLiga standings.

They are currently level with league leaders Barça on 38 points. Simeone’s side have not lost since October 27 and are in the midst of an 11-game winning streak in all competitions, including six consecutive triumphs in LaLiga.

Although Barça has the best attack in the league, Atletico, alongside Real Sociedad, have the strongest defense in the competition with 11 goals conceded in 17 games.

“We work well together as a block,” said Simeone. “We want to compete and improve.

“We have the same points as last season, the results of our rivals will show us how far we can go.”

Atleti are at full strength while Barça, who have won just one of their last six league games, are without injured star Lamine Yamal.

“It is clear that Lamine is an exceptional footballer,” said Simeone. “He’s one of the best offensively. Barca don’t have players with similar characteristics to him, but they have others like Ferran (Torres), (Dani) Olmo and Pedri who can play in this position.”

Simeone praised Barça coach Hansi Flick’s playing style.

“We are facing a team that is playing very well,” said Simeone. “I like the youth they have in the midfield. They play very good football. I have no doubt that Raphinha is one of the best in LaLiga because of his performances, his courage and his style of play.”

“They have done very well despite the recent setbacks. Even with these setbacks, they were better than their rivals. I don’t think he (Hansi Flick) will change anything because he has proven that his style gives him the results he wants.” “We have our strength to compete in an entertaining game.”