Simeone focused on where Atletico 'can hurt' Barca

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid plan to stop Barcelona's "incredible attack" by focusing on "where we can hurt them" in their upcoming blockbuster LaLiga clash.

Two of the title contenders in the Spanish top flight go head to head at Camp Nou on Tuesday, with fourth-place Atletico aiming to move level on points with leaders Barcelona.

Los Rojiblancos are on a six-match winning streak, including their last two away from home, which they triumphed without conceding.

However, Simeone has lost 17 of his 27 LaLiga matches against the Blaugrana (W3 D7), at least eight more than against any other opponent in the division.

The Atleti boss knows his side will have their work cut out, but hopes they can counter the hosts' threat.

"They are a team that has shown its style," Simeone told reporters during his pre-match press conference. "They do not change their attacking strategy and the forward line as they have been using it. They have many variants.

"The match we expect is very clear. They have an incredible attack. They have a very important way of playing, we will have to be strong to be able to compete. We will have to take the game to where we can hurt them."

Barca may be LaLiga's pacesetters, but Hansi Flick believes injury problems have hampered his side's progress this season, as he spoke of his desire for consistency.

"It is always important to be leaders," the Blaugrana coach added. "There have been injuries, and we have never shielded ourselves with those excuses. We are at the top.

"We need more minutes with the usual starting 11. The second part of last season was ideal: Pedri, Frenkie, the defence with the four that always play. There was consistency.

"This year, no [we haven't had that]. These are not excuses. We want to give our best. We want to win a great game like tomorrow's."