Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid: A Key Battle In The LaLiga Title Race

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona began the season in exceptional form; however, Atletico Madrid has fought their way into contention for the title.

The two teams will clash on Saturday, both aiming to top La Liga going into the Christmas break.

Both have 38 points and although Barcelona has played one extra match, they lead the table on goal difference, with champions Real Madrid third, a point behind and still firmly in the fight thanks to the Catalans’ recent slump.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid has secured 11 consecutive victories across all competitions and needs just one more win at the Olympic Stadium to take the top spot.

The Rojiblancos made several summer signings, including Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez in attack, and their deep squad started as a problem but is becoming a positive.

Simeone regularly had to leave star names on the bench as he rotated and it took the squad a while to come to terms with it.

However, Atletico are now regularly able to win matches because of the impact of their substitutes and the coach said it is their greatest strength.

“Before the (win over Getafe last weekend) I spoke with the players about thanking and recognising those who weren’t going to start the game,” said Simeone.

“There are very important players who are competing in an extraordinary way, and you can tell that when they come into the team.

“That is our strength; to compete in the way we want, we need everyone to be as involved as they (currently) are. It’s our biggest strength.”

Former Barcelona duo Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet are in superb form for the visitors.

Barcelona will be without key winger Lamine Yamal, as the 17-year-old is sidelined with an ankle injury and will not return until January.

Madrid have responded well to their 4-0 Clasico thrashing by Barcelona to stay in the title race, with Kylian Mbappe fit again after a brief injury lay-off.

The French forward scored as Madrid beat Pachuca to win the Intercontinental Cup in midweek. They face Sevilla on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team could also take the top spot during the winter break with a victory, provided that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid draw the day before.

Fixtures

Friday (all times CET)

Girona vs Valladolid (21:00)

Saturday

Getafe vs Mallorca (13:00), Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad (16:15), Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao (18:30), Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid (21:00)

Sunday

Valencia vs Alaves (14:00), Real Madrid vs Sevilla (16:15), Las Palmas vs Espanyol (18:30), Leganes vs Villarreal (18:30), Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano (21:00)