A potentially season-defining encounter for both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid looms on Saturday with the two rivals separated by only goal difference at the top of LaLiga.
By Graham Ruthven
A title duel
Not so long ago, it appeared Barcelona might run away with the Spanish title. Hansi Flick’s team started the season strongly, winning their opening seven league fixtures, blowing away opponents in the process.
Since then, though, the Catalans have lost their way. Barca have won just one of their last six league games, opening the door for Real Madrid and a resurgent Atlético Madrid to make their presence felt at the top of LaLiga.
Atleti’s season has had the opposite arc with Diego Simeone’s team currently on an 11-game winning run in all competitions after a difficult start to the campaign which even had many questioning the Argentine manger’s future at the club.
An away win for Atlético Madrid at Montjuïc would lift them above Barcelona in the table and could make them title favourites such is the run of form they are on right now.
Key players
Raphinha has been the surprise package of the season so far, registering an astonishing 17 goal contributions (11 goals and six assists) in just 18 league appearances. The Brazilian has been unstoppable and will be a goal threat this weekend.
Robert Lewandowski is also enjoying an excellent campaign having notched 16 goals in 17 league games. Around the Polish striker, the likes of Dani Olmo and Pedri will give Barcelona invention through the midfield and into the forward line.
In central midfield, Marc Casadó will be charged with holding it all together for Barcelona as their number six. The youngster could face a difficult evening up against the dynamic Atleti midfield pairing of Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo de Paul.
Atlético Madrid will hope to cause some attacking problems of their own with Julián Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann forging a strong partnership as a front two in recent weeks. They will have plenty space to exploit in behind Barca’s high defensive line.
Giuliano Simeone’s work ethic will be key to Atleti’s chances of stopping the threat of Raphinha down the left side. At the back, José Giménez and Clément Lenglet will need to keep it tight to give the visitors a solid defensive foundation.
Team news
Lamine Yamal will be unavailable for Saturday’s match with the teenager set for another period on the sidelines after sustaining ligament damage in the home defeat to Leganés. Without the Euro 2024 winner, Barca sometimes lack creativity in the attacking third.
Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen and Marc-André ter Stegen will also be missing for the home side as long-term absentees. Otherwise, Flick has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Reports in Spain claim Simeone experimented with a 4-5-1 shape in a training game during the week, hinting at a potential tactical shift by the longterm manager for Saturday’s showdown.
Prediction
With the weight of expectation around this match, we’re expecting goals, and for both teams to perform. But we also think that the home side may reassert their title credentials: Barcelona 2-1 Atlético Madrid.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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