Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both booked their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals this week and they will go head-to-head with one another in La Liga this Sunday.
The capital side have been in patchy form in recent weeks, but their woes have almost exclusively come on the road. They boast a sensational home record and can close the gap between them and Barcelona to just two points this weekend, even if they have lost the last three games against the Catalan side 1-0.
Barcelona have been re-energised since Xavi announced his departure at the end of the season and are now unbeaten in their last nine matches. They are now not too far off Clasico rivals Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga, although they have undoubtedly left a title charge far too late.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona H2H record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
Atletico Madrid | Barcelona |
|---|---|
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Inter – 13/03/2024 | Barcelona 3-1 Napoli – 12/03/2024 |
Cadiz 2-0 Atletico Madrid – 09/03/2024 | Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca – 08/03/2024 |
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Real Betis – 03/03/2024 | Athletic Club 0-0 Barcelona – 03/03/2024 |
Athletic Club 3-0 Atletico Madrid – 29/02/2024 | Barcelona 4-0 Getafe – 24/02/2024 |
Almeria 2-2 Atletico Madrid – 24/02/2024 | Napoli 1-1 Barcelona – 21/02/2024 |
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | ITV4, ITVX, Viaplay Sports 1, Viaplay UK, LaLigaTV |
United States | ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
Canada | TSN+ |
Diego Simeone doesn’t have too many absentees to contend with ahead of Barca’s visit to the Metropolitano, with Jose Maria Gimenez and Thomas Lemar his most influential players currently on the treatment table. Both could return shortly after the international break, but will also be absent for Sunday.
Vitolo and Marcos Paulo are long-term absentees for Simeone and are currently out with cruciate ligament injuries.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup (3-5-2): Oblak; Savic, Witsel, Azpilicueta; Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Saul Niguez, Lino; Griezmann, Morata.
Xavi has more injuries to deal with than his managerial counterpart, with some key players sidelined again for Barcelona.
In the midfield, the trip of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Gavi are all out of action at present, with the latter out for the rest of the season. Both De Jong and Pedri could return shortly after the international break.
Ferran Torres should be missing again with a thigh problem, while Alejandro Balde is missing at left-back. Marcos Alonso could be out as well with a back problem but has a chance of featuring on Sunday.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Lopez, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Atletico have been flying at home this term and are top of the La Liga standings based on their form at the Metropolitano – dropping just two points all year. Their recent record against Barcelona is not ideal, but they may be marginal favourites for Sunday’s exciting encounter.
Barcelona may have improved in recent weeks but their defensive performance left a lot to be desired in their 3-1 victory over Napoli midweek, with midfield absentees potentially proving costly in the capital.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
READ THE LATEST LA LIGA NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here
2 Pack Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone iPad Android, Active Noise Reduction Mini Microphone with Charging Case 7H Clip On Microphones for Interview, Recording, Vlogging, Live Streaming, 80ft
$33.99 (as of December 16, 2024 19:03 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sweet Water Decor Warm and Cozy Candle - Pine Cinnamon & Fir Winter Scented Orange Candle - Scented Soy Candles for Home with 40 Hour Burn Time - 9oz Clear Jar Winter Candle Made in the USA
$15.89 (as of December 16, 2024 19:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
OLIGHT Oclip Pro EDC Flashlight Clip-on Light, Rechargeable Flashlights 500 Lumens with Triple Lights Type-C Charging, Portable Magnetic Light for Signaling, Cycling, Outdoor or Indoor Uses(Black)
$39.99 (as of December 16, 2024 19:03 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
POCKET AIR Car Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor by Bullseye Pro, Rechargeable 3000MAH Portable Tire Inflator for Car Air Pump Portable with LED Pressure Gauge, Lightweight, As Seen on TV Products
$79.99 (as of December 16, 2024 19:03 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
