One of the highly anticipated fixtures in the La Liga title race this week is Barcelona’s look to get the double over Atletico Madrid. The match schedules for Saturday at Camp Nou, with kickoff at 5:15 pm.
Barca currently occupies the third spot in the La Liga rankings – level on points with second-placed Real Madrid. In contrast, Atletico Madrid is on top of the table with two points gap behind their opponents.
Despite having a troubled campaign, Barcelona can close up on a successful season if they get the La Liga title and Copa del Rey double. One trophy is already in the bag, having defeated Atheltic Bilbao 4-0 in April.
A win this weekend pushes the Catalan giants to the top of the summit. However, they face stiff competition from Real Madrid if they get the better of Sevilla this weekend. Moreover, the race would have taken a different course if they secured a win over Granada on April 29.
In contrast, Atletico Madrid continues bidding for their La Liga title since the 2013-2014 campaign. However, the race sets closer than ever, with one loss setting their title hopes apart. Diego Simone’s side has two home games after this weekend against Real Sociedad and Osasuna.
Despite suffering a damaging 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao, they managed to return to winning ways last weekend with a dramatic 1-0 win over Elche.
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid Head to Head
Both sides have 41 games against each other, with Barcelona taking home 24 wins while Atletico Madrid with seven wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Valencia 2-3 Barcelona
- Barcelona 1-2 Granada
- Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona
- Barcelona 5-2 Getafe
- Atheltic Bilbao 0-4 Barcelona
Away
- Elche 0-1 Atletico Madrid
- Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Atletico Madrid
- Atletico Madrid 2-0 Huesca
- Atletico Madrid 5-0 Eibar
- Real Betis 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Barcelona Team News
The injury concerns remain the same since their last clash with Valencia. Martin Braithwaite, Ansu Fait, and Phillipe Countinho. Ansu Fati underwent his fourth knee surgery, with his return still unknown. Ronald Araujo will get the nod over Oscar Mingueza in a back three defense formation.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Renan Lodi remains available for this clash with a muscular problem picked up against Elche. Jose Gimenez will have to undergo a late fitness test to assess his availability for this clash. Suarez is available to face against his former club after missing the first leg.
Prediction and Odds
It is a hard call for both teams, given the importance of a win in the title race this weekend.
- Draw
- Goals Under 3.5
- Suarez to Score
