Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a heavyweight La Liga showdown on Tuesday night, Barcelona will welcome Atletico Madrid to Catalonia.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might have fallen to a nightmare 3-0 Champions League drumming away at Chelsea last week, Hansi Flick’s men claimed an immediate response over the weekend. Securing a routine 3-1 victory at home against Alaves, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad skyrocket their way back to the top of the La Liga table. With their sights set on defending their domestic crown this season, Barca are enjoying what has become a major La Liga flurry. Marking their return from November’s international break with a 4-0 romp against Athletic Bilbao, Tuesday’s hosts have won each of their last four straight top-flight showdowns by an aggregate score of 14-4. It should also be highlighted, Flick’s defending champions have won eight of their first nine matchups in Catalonia so far this season.
Barcelona Team News
Undergoing knee surgery back in September, Barcelona will once again be unable to call upon Spanish international Gavi on Tuesday night. However, despite missing out against Alaves over the weekend, Flick’s side are hopeful that Ronald Araujo will be able to play some part in Catalonia.
Opening the scoring on Saturday and already registering 12 direct goal contributions in his first 10 La Liga appearances this season, Lamine Yamal will play a leading role in the final third. Making a real impact since completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford could be handed a full recall.
Atletico Madrid
As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might have endured a real stuttering start to proceedings back in August, Diego Simeone’s men have come roaring back in some style. Last seen over the weekend putting in another routine display as they secured a 2-0 victory at home against La Liga newcomers Real Oviedo, Los Rojiblancos are riding a major wave of momentum. Opening Tuesday’s trip to Catalonia sat within touching distance of climbing to the top of the table, Madrid have now won all of their previous seven consecutive appearances across all competitions. Collecting a heavyweight Champions League scalp last week as they landed a 2-1 win against last season’s finalists Inter Milan, Atletico have also notched back-to-back La Liga wins away from the Metropolitano for the first time this calendar year.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Once again missing out over the weekend, former Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand remains on the sidelines with a knee issue and will not feature here. Likewise, dealing with a recent muscle strain, Atletico are sweating over the fitness of ex-Real Madrid youngster Marcos Llorente.
Bagging both goals against Real Oviedo on Saturday and now registering five direct goal contributions in as many appearances for club and country, Norwegian international Alexander Sorloth will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line. 22-year-old academe graduate Pablo Barrios could be handed an immediate recall in the middle of the park.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Atletico Madrid last met in Catalonia back in February, Tuesday’s opponents played out a sensational 4-4 Copa del Rey stalemate.
- The reigning La Liga champions have won eight of their first nine showdowns in Catalonia across all competitions.
- Atletico have won their previous seven appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 17-3.
- Simeone’s me have recorded back-to-back La Liga away victories for the first time this calendar year.
- 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal has registered 12 direct goal contributions in his first 10 La Liga appearances (five goals, seven defeats).
Conclusion
With the two Spanish giants playing out a thrilling 4-4 stalemate when they last met in Catalonia back in February, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller here. In a contest that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, chances could come thick and fast on Tuesday night. With the last four meetings between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid producing 18 goals at both ends of the pitch, we look set for a blockbuster battle in midweek.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster