La Liga: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid live
Preview
When Barcelona takes on arch-rivals Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou at 15:15 GMT today in La Liga, they will be looking to break into the top four of the league rankings.
Barcelona began the new year with two victories in two games, but they went on winless in all three of their remaining fixtures (D1 L2). They did, however, bounce back with a 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves before taking a two-week break. The result reduced the margin to just one point between them and the top four, and a win today could see the Catalans move into the Champions League qualification places.
In 2022, Atletico Madrid have a comparable record to its weekend opponents. Los Rojiblancos drew one and lost two games in a row after winning their first two games of the year, and defeating Valencia 3-2 in a dramatic comeback triumph shortly before the break. Diego Simeone’s team sit fourth in La Liga, one point ahead of Barça, and will need to win to improve their hopes of finishing in the top four.
Sergio Ramos could be forced to retire from football
Head-to-head
Barcelona lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in the reverse game in October, courtesy of goals from Luis Suarez and Thomas Lemar in the first half. Barcelona have lost two of their past three La Liga (D1) meetings against Atletico Madrid, failing to score in all three games. Barcelona have also won 10 of their last 15 home La Liga meetings against Atletico Madrid (W10 D5).
Prediction
Both sides enter the contest on the heels of some shaky January performances. Barcelona’s team have been greatly enhanced, but there is a feeling that they are a little too top-heavy. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have been hot and cold throughout the season, but their comeback triumph over Valencia demonstrated their resilience and resolve. Those traits are anticipated to be on display once again on Sunday, when Atletico Madrid will make life tough for their opponents. Xavi Hernandez’s side, on the other hand, should be able to rescue a point and avoid a loss, like they did in the opposite fixture.
