On the other hand, under Flick’s leadership, Barcelona play a bold attacking style, but one that carries clear risks.
The Catalan side leaves their opponents plenty of space, particularly behind the defence, something Atlético are well aware of and look to exploit.
Simeone and his coaching staff have sent a clear message to the players: chances will come, provided they execute attacking transitions with speed and precision.
This explains Atlético’s success in scoring 14 goals in eight matches against Flick’s Barcelona, with most coming from counter-attacks or long balls played in behind the defence.
Even Flick has acknowledged the problem, pointing out that the youth of his defenders, such as Pau Coparce and Gerard Martin, makes them prone to errors in positioning and decision-making.