Last year’s La Liga winner Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid on March 18 at Civitas Metropolitan Stadium. The Culers are 6 points ahead of the Bears. If Barcelona gets away with the victory, they will advance into the second position as they will overtake Girona.
The Clash of the Heavyweights
There is no doubt that these two big traditional clubs are the most successful teams in terms of fans, players, and popularity. It only comes down to hype when these two clubs, don’t fail to entertain and always deliver the bangers. This match can be the outcome for the Blaugranas, only if they succeed in getting the victory.
These two clubs have a history of ups and downs together. In the last five matches where they faced each other Barcelona managed to get the lead by getting 4 victories over Atletico Madrid. Whereas Madrid only won 1 match against Barca. This leaves Madrid with a shambolic record at facing their rivals.
Players to Watch
The Catalan pride defeated Napoli in the Champions League 3-1 in the last 16 tie. with Xavi’s collection of the Spanish army, we might see Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi in the action. We might get Frenkie de Jong, Balde, and Christensen in the midfield trio. Joao Felix the Portuguese star is expected to be on the bench. Whereas Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha are expected to start as the attacking trio.
On the flip side, their rivals Marcos Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Witsel, Griezmann, and Alvaro Morata are expected to make their mark. Alvaro Morata has the highest number of goals for Atletico Madrid this season. 14 Goals in 25 matches and under him is Antonine Griezmann with 11 goals. Griezmann also possesses the highest assists for Atletico he might be the danger Barca is looking for as he is looking forward to haunt his former club.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Match Stats
The battle could go back and forth as both teams have their star player. As for the performance in La Liga Atletico Madrid recently dropped their position in La Liga as Athletic Club overtook Madrid by just one point. But in the overall stats in the last five matches, Atletico won only two matches, lost two matches, and one draw.
Barcelona has been in a positive aura this season in the La Liga as they have only one victory to get into the second spot. In the last five matches, they have won 3 matches and drew 2 matches. Their last defeat was against Villarreal where they lost by 2 goals as the scoreline was 3-5.
The main reason Barcelona may take over this match is because they keep possession in the middle and where they attack from the left side of the pitch. Mostly Raphina may get support from Gundogan and Christensen alongside Joao Cancelo. He may also deliver crosses to Lewandowski to finish.
It might get a little difficult to move a needle to one of either side but Barcelona might get the victory.
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