Diego Simeone insisted his Atletico Madrid side are "in good spirits" ahead of their match against Athletic Club, despite their poor run of form.
Atleti have lost their last four games in all competitions, including defeat in the Copa del Rey final on penalties to Real Sociedad last weekend.
They lost 3-2 against relegation battlers Elche in their most recent match, while Atleti's league clash against Athletic precedes their Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
Simeone has reason to be confident against Athletic; he has won 21 of his 34 meetings with Athletic in all competitions (D4 L9). Only against Getafe (24) has he secured more victories as Atleti manager (also 21 against Real Betis).
This will also be the 22nd LaLiga meeting between Simeone and Ernesto Valverde (11 wins for Simeone, five draws, and five wins for Valverde), equalling the record for the most matches between two managers in the history of the competition, held by Luis Aragones and Javier Irureta.
Simeone believes it is important that Atletico approach the match in the right way, especially after their Copa del Rey defeat.
"We try to give every match the importance it deserves," said the Atleti boss.
"We're facing an opponent who won an important game a couple of days ago, which has strengthened their position in the table, and they have players we know are key.
"We'll try to take the game to where we think we can hurt them.
"The team is in good spirits, aware of what's at stake, knowing the opportunity we missed in the cup final, and excited about what's to come, given how hard we've worked to get here and what we can achieve if things go our way."
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 23, 2026
Athletic are ninth in LaLiga, but just three points off sixth-placed Getafe with six games to go in the league.
Valverde's side defeated Osasuna 1-0 last time out, but have won just two of their last six games (L4).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Atletico Madrid – Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann has scored 14 goals in 36 appearances against Athletic Club in all competitions.
He has not scored more goals against any other opponent in his professional career (also 14 against Valencia).
Athletic Club – Inaki Williams
Inaki Williams has scored six goals in 24 appearances against Atleti in all competitions;
Only against Villarreal and Real Sociedad (both seven) has he scored more goals in his career for the Basque side.