Who: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
What: La Liga 2025/26
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona
When: Tuesday at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT for build-up and live text commentary
Barcelona host Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou in a high-stakes midweek La Liga clash, with both teams aiming to strengthen their title credentials and capitalize on Real Madrid’s recent dip in form.
Current Form and League Context
Barcelona lead La Liga by a single point after a 3-1 comeback win against Alaves on the weekend, marking their fourth consecutive league victory. Atletico Madrid, fourth in the table, trail Barcelona by three points following a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo.
Atletico have bounced back impressively since a 4-0 defeat at Arsenal in October, winning seven consecutive matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have drawn their last three league games, presenting Barcelona and Atletico with a chance to consolidate their positions in the title race.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will be without Fermin Lopez, who misses a second consecutive match due to a calf injury. Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain sidelined. Ronald Araujo is likely to miss out again after illness ruled him out against Alaves.
The team will welcome the return of Pedri, Jules Kounde, and Frenkie de Jong, with Eric Garcia expected to be available despite being substituted against Alaves.
Predicted Barcelona XI
Joan Garcia; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Key Players in Form
- Raphinha: Returned from a hamstring injury to start against Alaves, assisting two early goals. His pressing and dynamism were praised by coach Hansi Flick.
- Lamine Yamal: Scored and linked up effectively with Olmo and Raphinha in the Alaves win.
- Dani Olmo: Added a late goal to seal the 3-1 victory.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration with officiating in the Alaves match but stressed that improving team performance remains the main priority.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Atletico Madrid will be without Marcos Llorente due to a thigh injury and Robin Le Normand, who continues to recover from a knee issue. Despite scoring a brace against Oviedo, Alexander Sorloth may start from the bench, with Julian Alvarez expected to lead the attack.
Predicted Atletico Madrid XI
Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Cardoso; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Alvarez
Atletico’s Momentum
Atletico are unbeaten in 13 La Liga matches since an opening-day loss. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak highlighted the team’s balance in both attack and defense, noting that consistency is key. Coach Diego Simeone downplayed breaking records, focusing on the importance of winning titles rather than statistics.
Head-to-Head Record
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have faced each other 246 times, with Barcelona winning 112 games and Atletico 77; 57 matches ended in draws. Barcelona has dominated recent La Liga encounters, winning seven of the last eight league matches. However, Atletico claimed a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou in December 2024, highlighting the threat they pose.
Tactical Outlook
- Barcelona: Expect high pressing and wing play from Raphinha and Yamal, supported by creative passing from Pedri and de Jong. Lewandowski remains the focal point in attack.
- Atletico Madrid: Likely to play a compact, counter-attacking style, relying on Oblak’s leadership and quick transitions from Koke and Simeone. Alvarez and Sorloth will provide finishing options up front.
The clash promises to be a decisive fixture in the La Liga title race, with both sides capable of exploiting any mistakes from their rivals.
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