Atletico Madrid welcome Barcelona to the Metropolitana on Sunday for a massive clash in the La Liga title race.
The visitors have been playing some scintillating football this season, but Atleti will hold no fear of their illustrious opponents. The last time these two clubs met, in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi final, the game ended 4-4 in a captivating battle, and they won the reverse fixture 2-1. Victory today would see them do the double over them for the first time since 2005/06.
With just one point separating them, the winner of this weekend’s encounter will be hugely boosted in their bid for top spot. Barça can go level with leaders Real Madrid with a win, while Diego Simeone’s side are a further point behind. Crucially, the Catalan outfit have played two games fewer than Real, while today’s opponents have one game in hand on their local rival.
Atletico Madrid team news
Simeone could be without three key players against Barcelona. Angel Correa is serving a suspension following his red card against Getafe last weekend, while Rodrigo De Paul is set to miss out with a thigh problem. Koke is a doubt after suffering a knock.
Barcelona team news
Andreas Christensen could be involved after making his return to training. The former Chelsea defender has only made one appearance this season, sustaining an Achilles injury on the opening day of the campaign against Valencia, and suffered a setback in January when he injured his calf.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick remains without the services of Marc Bernal and Marc-André ter Stegen, who are sidelined by long-term knee injuries.
