La Liga's top two go head-to-head on Saturday night as Barcelona host Atletico Madrid at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The Catalan giants have almost maintained their status as league leaders despite winning just one of their last six home games, although they have played a game more than both Madrid clubs. Hansi Flick's honeymoon period is well and truly over, with Sunday's battle against Atletico potentially having huge ramifications in the title race.
Atleti is equal in points with Barcelona and will overcome them with the victory in Catalonia. Diego Simeone's men have won their last 11 games in all competitions and have climbed up the table as a result of their recent form.
Here it is 90 minutes guide to the final match of the calendar year for Barcelona AND Athletes.
Barcelona vs Atletico H2H record (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Barcelona |
Atletico Madrid |
|---|---|
|
Barcelona 0-1 Leganes – 15.12.24 |
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Getafe – 15/12/24 |
|
Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Barcelona – 13/12/24 |
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Slovan Bratislava – 11/12/24 |
|
Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona – 07/12/24 |
Atletico Madrid 4-3 Sevilla – 08/12/24 |
|
Mallorca 1-5 Barcelona – 04/12/24 |
Cacereno 1-3 Atletico Madrid – 05/12/24 |
|
Barcelona 1-2 Las Palmas – 30/11/24 |
Real Valladolid 0-5 Atletico Madrid – 30/11/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV 4, ITVX, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV |
|
United States |
ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes |
|
Canada |
TSN+ |
Barcelona will be without the services of Lamine Yamal this weekend after the teenager suffered an ankle injury against Leganes last time out. He could miss up to a month for La Blaugrana.
Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are guaranteed to miss the visit of Atleti, but Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati could feature in the matchday squad. However, chances are they will return after the winter break.
Ronald Araujo is available again and has been named on the bench for the last two games. Given the length of his injury, he will likely only be used as a substitute this weekend.
Barcelona predicted the formation against Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1): regret; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Married, Peter; Lopez, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Atleti are blessed with a fully fit squad for the trip to Barcelona, but Simeone is unlikely to make many changes from the side that beat Getafe recently. Los Rojiblancos have been in excellent form and the South American coach will not want to spoil a winning formula.
Simeone has used a 4-4-2 system in recent weeks and is likely to use the same system on Saturday. Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann will lead the line, while Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios are likely to anchor the midfield. Former Barça defender Clement Lenglet will feature alongside Jose Maria Gimenez in the heart of defence.
Atletico Madrid predicted formation against Barcelona (4-4-2): Clouds; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez.
Barcelona has won the last five meetings with Atleti and would have been the significant favorite for this encounter at the beginning of the season. However, the tables have turned in recent weeks and Saturday's clash is now much more difficult to predict.
Atleti has the form in his favour, but Barça have the superior squad, as well as the home advantage. It is likely to be a tough and tight affair to close the year for both sides, with Real Madrid ready to take advantage of any mistake.