It will be a close game, and with the form of Barcelona, it will be tough for them. You can play both teams to score, and if you’re a risk taker, you can go for a draw too.
Match info: La Liga
Venue: Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys, Catalonia
Date: Saturday, 21st December 2024
Time: 9 pm Nigerian time
Level on points (38) at the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will lock horns in a huge game on Saturday evening, with any potential winner guaranteeing themselves first position in the division heading into 2025.
Barcelona are at the summit due to their superior goal difference, but Atletico, who have a game in hand on the division leaders, are the form team entering this contest, with Diego Simeone's side on an incredible 11-game winning run in all competitions.
Head-to-head:
- Barcelona have won 36 of the last 71 meetings between the two teams.
- Atletico Madrid have recorded 18 victories.
- The remaining 17 clashes ended in draws.
- The most common result of matches between them when Barcelona are playing at home is 1-1.
- Barcelona have won 21 of the last 35 meetings at home against Atletico Madrid.
- Atletico Madrid have not scored in this fixture in 4 straight games.
- Barcelona have won their last 5 encounters.
Form:
- Barcelona in the league: D-L-W-D-L
- Barcelona in all competitions: L-W-D-W-L
- Atletico Madrid in the League: W-W-W-W-W
- Atletico Madrid in all competitions W-W-W-W-W
Team News:
- Andreas Christensen, Lamine Yamal, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen will miss this game due to injuries for FC Barcelona.
- Alexander Sørloth, Borja Garce,s and Thomas Lemar will miss the game due to injury for Atletico Madrid.
Player(s) to watch:
- Raphinha will be the player to watch out for Barcelona in this game. He has been sensational this season with 17 goals and 10 assists in 24 games. He can play across the front line, often positioned on the right wing but capable of playing on the left or as an attacking midfielder. His adaptability makes him valuable for tactical flexibility. The Brazilian winger possesses excellent ball control, with a flair for dribbling that often sees him weaving through defenders.
- Antoine Griezmann is always the man in question for Atletico Madrid. He is the heart of the attack for the Madrid team, and almost every move goes through him. If he plays well, Atletico does well. He has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in the 24 games so far. He’s been involved in games from the start of the season, with contributions in both goals and gameplay build-up, indicating his integral role in the team.