Simeone calls for belief ahead of Barca trip

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Diego Simeone refuses to throw in the towel just yet as Atletico Madrid look to turn around a 2-1 deficit against Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid must believe they can reach the Copa del Rey final despite facing the daunting task of beating Barcelona at Camp Nou, says Diego Simeone.

The Rojiblancos were beaten 2-1 in their semi-final first leg at Vicente Calderon last week, meaning they must turn on the style in the return match on Tuesday.

Beating Barcelona - who Simeone believes are arguably the best side in the world - will be a tough ask, but the Argentine travels to the Catalan giants with one thing on his mind…progression.

"It is easy to say things but in reality the only thing that matters is the work that we do on the field," Simeone told reporters.

"We must play with the same intensity that we have had during moments of the season, the best moments of the season, try to feel well with ourselves as a team. From there everything we look for will come.

"We are facing a team that are very strong at home so it is going to be a difficult game. They are perhaps the best team in the world.

"But anything that I say now does not matter too much. All that counts are the events that take place on the pitch.

"The only result that would satisfy me is to reach the final."