After training on Wednesday, Diego Pablo Simeone analysed the match this Saturday in the press conference. "The team is good. They put in a big performance in Seville, working hard as a group. We’ll approach this game like any other league game. With the same excitement and enthusiasm to take the three points. We are closer to our target, it has taken a lot of hard work to get here and Saturday is another chance to get closer. We have to play better than them and I live and think Saturday is an opportunity that we have to make the most of". He also spoke about the progress of the injured players. "Arda is coming along and hopefully he can continue to improve. We'll see on Friday. Tiago trained with us and I imagine that on Saturday he may accompany us too," he said.

The team has conceded the fewest goals in the league, the last few games have shown the offensive power of the red and whites, taking every opportunity that presents itself in attack. "Football is a particular moment as we saw yesterday in the Champions League. You must react to the situations presented to you. Saturday's game will allow us to stay focused, attentive and look to take the opportunity."

During the morning he received the Competition Committee's decision to rescind the yellow Diego Costa picked up in the Pizjuan. "Diego has some features that will improve and we can not take away his essence. He will grow as a footballer and learn from everything that is going on. He’s an option in attack and we appreciate all the vitality that he gives the team whenever he plays," said the Argentine.

We aspire to continue to grow and improve like last season

Three points behind Madrid in the league, Simeone is clear that whatever the outcome, there will still be a lot to play for and will have to continue working. "The league is not finished on Saturday. There are a lot of games left to play and we always have the desire to keep growing. To improve on last season. The higher we can finish, the more important it will be for the club and for a team that has worked hard, we are strong and will continue to grow." He was asked if finishing above Madrid was an extra motivation for him "I like to be above all the opposition. I have 19 rivals who we are competing to be above. We got out to finish above as many teams as possible," he said.

Atletico receive Real Madrid on Saturday with the intention to add three points which will ensure the Champions League objective. "It's a great opportunity for us and we must win. If we can score one more goal than them we will be in a good position" he also demonstrated the ambition to win every game and would not choose between winning the league match and the Cup match "Any fan of Atletico wants to win the league game and the final. There’s no choice. The only option for the fans and for the team is to win," he replied bluntly.

Immersed in the Champions League, Simeone was asked about the possibility that the whites would play with alternates. "Nobody asks who played. I always went about it the same way as a player," he said to the media.

Finally, the Argentine coach recognized the special illusion of a game like this. "It is an opportunity. Many words have been said but I am of the idea that counts for little. Much has been said trying to excite people too. The only thing that counts are the facts and the facts are winning. From the managers point of view it is more difficult but I’ll go about it the same way as when I was playing. We’re excited and looking forward to it and we can meet the expectations," he concluded.