The two top teams in La Liga meet on Saturday evening when Barcelona hosts Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Olympique Luis Companez.
The Catalan giants have maintained their position as league leaders despite winning just one of their last six domestic matches, although they have played a game more than the two Madrid clubs. Hansi Flick's honeymoon period is coming to an end, and Sunday's battle against Atletico is likely to have massive ramifications for the title race.
Atleti are equal on points with Barcelona and will surpass them by winning in Catalonia. Diego Simeone's men have won their last 11 matches in all competitions and have moved up the table as a result of their recent form.
here 90 minutes Guide to the final match of the calendar year Barcelona and Atletico.
Barcelona vs Atletico H2H record (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Barcelona |
Atletico Madrid |
|---|---|
|
Barcelona 0-1 Leganes – 12/15/24 |
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Getafe – 12/15/24 |
|
Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Barcelona – 12/13/24 |
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Slovan Bratislava – 12/11/24 |
|
Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona – 12/07/24 |
Atletico Madrid 4-3 Sevilla – 12/08/24 |
|
Mallorca 1-5 Barcelona – 12/04/24 |
Cacerino 1-3 Atletico Madrid – 12/05/24 |
|
Barcelona 1-2 Las Palmas – 11/30/24 |
Real Valladolid 0-5 Atletico Madrid – 11/30/24 |
|
nation |
TV Channel/Live Broadcast |
|---|---|
|
UK |
ITV 4, ITVX, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV |
|
US |
ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes |
|
Canada |
TSN+ |
Barcelona will be without the services of Lamine Yamal this weekend after the teenager He suffered an ankle injury Against Leganes last time. He could be out of action for up to a month with the Blaugrana.
Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are certain to miss the visit of Atleti but Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati could feature in the matchday squad. However, the possibility is that they will return after the winter break.
Ronald Araujo became available again and was named on the bench for the final two matches. Given the length of his injury, he is likely to be used as a substitute this weekend.
Barcelona lineup against Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1): Between us. Conde, Cobarci, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Javi; Rafinha, Pedri, Lopez; Lewandowski.
Atletico have a fully fit squad for the trip to Barcelona, but Simeone is unlikely to make many changes to the side that recently beat Getafe. The Rojiblancos have been in fantastic form and the South American coach will not want to disrupt their winning formula.
Simeone has used a 4-4-2 formation in recent weeks and is likely to use the same system on Saturday. Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann will lead the midfield, while Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios are likely to play in the midfield. Former Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet will play with Jose Maria Jimenez in central defence.
Atletico Madrid lineup against Barcelona (4-4-2):Oblak; Llorente, Jimenez, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez.
Barcelona have won their last five meetings with Atletico and would have been big favorites for this encounter earlier in the season. However, the tables have turned in recent weeks and Saturday's duel is now difficult to predict.
Atletico Madrid have the form to their advantage, but Barcelona have a superior squad, as well as home advantage. It will likely be a cautious and tight affair to close out the year for both sides real madrid Ready to take advantage of any misstep.