It goes without saying that a match against Barcelona carries significant weight in the league for Atlético de Madrid.
As we enter match week 12 of La Liga, Atlético (9-1-1, 28 points) sit just two points from Barcelona (10-0-1, 30 points). A win for Atlético would see Diego Simeone’s men leapfrog Barcelona into first place. Conversely, a Barcelona win would give the Blaugrana a five-point cushion at the top of the table going into the international break. Atleti also would risk falling behind Real
Madrid (9-0-2, 27 points), who visit struggling Valencia on Saturday night.
Atlético de Madrid have won their last seven games in La Liga, with their most recent win coming against Levante last weekend. Contributions from players like Álex Baena, Jonathan David and Alejandro Grimaldo have helped Los Colchoneros outscore their opponents 15-2 over the win streak.
However, if Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich has shown us anything, it is that Atleti are missing a true difference-making goalscorer. If Atleti hope to get over the line against Barcelona, they will need to weather the storm and find ways to break the opponent’s suffocating press.
Barcelona’s only loss thus far in La Liga came in a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico. They have otherwise been able to smother their opponents with aggressive pressing and a star-studded attack. The lethal combination of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal up top has helped propel the league leaders to a staggering 46 goals across 11 games.
Barcelona’s attacking might and overwhelming pressure will create a significant challenge for Atlético, but victories in last season’s Champions League and Copa del Rey have demonstrated that Atleti can disrupt Barça’s rhythm. Atleti knocked out Barça in both cup competitions a season ago, though Barça won both league fixtures.
Simeone and Atlético have not scored a home win over Barcelona in La Liga since September 2021.
Team news
Simeone will have options this Sunday in the midfield, with key players returning from injury. Johnny Cardoso returned to full team training on Thursday following his thigh injury, and he will be available for selection. Morten Hjulmand will also be available after serving his Champions League suspension against Bayern Munich.
Additionally, Pablo Barrios and Koke will be able to provide more midfield options.
A setback for the team will be the loss of defender Cristian Romero, who was ruled out as he nurses a muscle injury. His absence will force players like Marc Pubill and Dávid Hancko to bear the brunt of Barcelona’s attack this Sunday.
Atlético are not the only ones who will be missing important players due to injury. Barcelona will be without former Atleti midfielder and recent World Cup winner Rodri after he sustained a hamstring injury against Aston Villa in the Champions League. Additionally, they will be without Dani Olmo and Jules Koundé. The Catalan side will have defensive reinforcements however in the form of Eric García and Andreas Christensen, who are expected to return for the match.
Predicted lineup
Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; Giuliano, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Kang-in, Alvarez.
