Simeone praises rival forward ahead of Atletico Madrid v Barcelona

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has heaped praise on Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, commending the Polish forward for his impressive goal-scoring form.

Speaking ahead of Atletico’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona, Simeone took a moment to acknowledge Lewandowski’s impact, highlighting his consistency and influence on the pitch.

The 35-year-old striker is enjoying a stellar season, his best since joining Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022. Across 42 appearances, he has netted 38 goals, with 25 coming in La Liga as he pushes for a second Pichichi Trophy in three seasons.

"Reaching 100 goals for Barcelona is one of the goals for the season,” said  Lewandowski, who is currently on 97 goals for Liga giants.

"It's a dream for me. We still have lots of games to play and we want to be in the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals, and win La Liga."

Simeone, recognising the forward’s achievements, had nothing but admiration: “Lewandowski? Congratulations, he’s having an extraordinary season. He’s a player to look up to, someone young players can learn from.”

Atletico and Barcelona will face off on Wednesday at the Metropolitano Stadium, with a place in the Copa del Rey final on the line. The tie is finely poised after a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg.

The winner of the tie will meet Real Madrid in the final after Los Blancos defeated Real Sociedad with a last-gasp winner from Antonio Rudiger.

The German defender rose highest to meet Arda Guler’s corner in the 115th minute, guiding his header past goalkeeper Alex Remiro and sending the Bernabeu into celebration.