Probably for the first time this season, the most in-form team heading into a La Liga clash at the Camp Nou isn't the home team. Barcelona have endured some trying times as of late, failing to win (or score in) their last 3 games in all competitions. Their last two league outings ended in a goalless stalemate, and the performances were a bit wishy-washy. Thankfully, some key players have returned from injury, which may be the reason Barcelona could win this clash.
Their opponents, Atleti, haven't lost a league game since the last time these two met, at the Wanda, where Barça won 0-1. They've won their last 6 games in seemingly comfortable fashion, and they suddenly look like they could take advantage of any slip up Real Madrid might have for second position. They will fancy their chances at the Camp Nou, especially if Antoine Griezmann, arguably the most in-form player in La Liga right now, has anything to say about it.
INTERESTING STATS
- Barcelona have a historical advantage over Atletico Madrid with 97 victories in 222 matches played, compared to Atletico’s 75 wins.
- Barcelona’s home record against Atletico Madrid is impressive having been unbeaten in their last 16 games in the league.
- The Catalan giants have drawn their last two La Liga matches 0-0, and they have not played three consecutive goalless draws in the competition since 2016.
- Atletico Madrid are in excellent form, winning their last six matches in La Liga.
Last five meetings
21/11/20 (LIGA) Atlético 1 Barça 0
8/5/21 (LIGA) Barça 0 Atlético 0
2/10/21 (LIGA) Atlético 2 Barça 0
06/02/22 (LIGA) Barça 4 Atlético 2
08/01/23 (LIGA) Atlético 0-1 Barça
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
There has been some good news in the Barça camp as of late, as Pedri and Frenkie DeJong have returned from injury and have made the Squad list. Ousmane Dembele and Andreas Christensen are also very close and should feature against Vallecano and/or Betis. Sergi Roberto remains sidelined with a hamstring strain. 15 year old wonderkid Lamine Yamal also earned his first team call up. Wouldn't it be exciting to see him have some minutes in this game?
Marc Andre TerStegen, Kounde, Araujo and Balde are sure of starting, with Alonso probably filling in for Christensen. Pedri and Frenkie could very well walk into the starting XI and join Gavi and Busquets in midfield. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha will form the attack, along with Pedri/Gavi overlapping forward. Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres remain attacking options on the bench.
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone will be without the services of former Barça man Memphis Depay, who is out injured, and Reinildo, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Midfielders Marcos Llorente and Geoffrey Kondogbia are out due to suspension. Meanwhile, they could have a boost as Stefan Savic is expected to return to the mix.
Jan Oblak will start in goal. The back three will feature Savic, Jose Maria Gimenez, and Mario Hermoso. Nahuel Molina and Yannick Carrasco will feature in the midfield five, along with Koke, Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios. Antoine Griezmann and one of Ángel Correa or Alvaro Morata will lead the attack.
Where are Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid playing?
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Stadium: Camp Nou
Date: Sunday 23 April
Kick-off Time: 15:15 BST / 10:15 ET / 07:15 PT/ 15:15 🇳🇬
Referee: Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez
A gigantic clash that should provide loads of entertainment, but Barcelona will have to bring their A game for this one. Atletico Madrid are in red hot form, any slip ups from the home side could prove catastrophic.
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