LaLiga Matchday 29 is set to be underway
In a crucial LaLiga matchup on Sunday, Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will face off, each aiming to boost their chances of securing a spot in next season’s Champions League, just before the international break. Both teams advanced to the quarterfinals of this season’s competition earlier this week. Barcelona showcased an impressive performance with a 3-1 victory over Napoli at home, while Atletico demonstrated their resilience by narrowly overcoming Inter Milan on penalties, ending the Italian side’s remarkable 13-game winning streak.
In the league table, Barcelona holds a notable advantage over Diego Simeone’s team, leading by six points with the same number of games played. Atletico Madrid has recorded 17 wins, 4 draws, and 7 defeats in their 28 league matches thus far.
Barcelona currently trails league leaders Real Madrid by eight points and sits just one point behind Girona in the standings. With their recent elimination from the Copa del Rey, the Blaugrana are now focusing their efforts on chasing the La Liga title.
Kick-Off:
Sunday, 17th Mar 2024, 08:00 PM (GMT), 03:30 PM (EST)
Monday, 18th Mar 2024, 01:30 AM (IST)
Stadium: Civitas Metropolitan Stadium
Form
Atletico Madrid Form (All Competitions): W-L-W-L-D
Barcelona Form (All Competitions): W-W-D-W-D
Players to Watch
Memphis Depay
Depay proves himself to be an exceedingly versatile attacker, adept at both creating goal-scoring opportunities and executing them. His skill in changing direction is particularly effective, often allowing him to evade defenders before accelerating away from pressure.
Notably, he demonstrates excellent awareness on the field, frequently scanning for available options and delivering precise passes in the attacking third. However, Depay’s most prominent asset lies in his striking ability.
Pau Cubarsi (FC Barcelona)
Capable of operating as both a left and right-sided centre-back within a four-man defensive setup, he is recognized for his adeptness in this role. He possesses excellent timing, a deep understanding of the game, and an above-average technical prowess.
Furthermore, he is a formidable player who effectively utilizes his physicality to gain an edge, often emerging victorious in physical duels.
Match Facts
- Last season FC Barcelona won both games against Atletico Madrid (1-0 at home and 1-0 away).
- The most common result of matches between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona, when Atletico Madrid is playing at home, is 1-2. 6 matches have ended with this result.
- The winner of their last meeting was FC Barcelona.
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Injury and Team news
For this crucial home match, Atletico Madrid will have to contend without the services of Thomas Lemar, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Vitolo.
Barcelona will face Atletico without Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, who will be unavailable for the weekend clash. Additionally, Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde, Gave, and Marcos Alonso are also ruled out for this fixture.
Head-to-Head
Matches: 50
Atletico Madrid: 10
FC Barcelona: 28
Draws: 12
Predicted Lineup for Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (5-3-2):
Oblak(GK); Molina, Savic, Witsel, Hermoso, Lino; Saul, De Paul, Koke; Depay, Morata
Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Ter Stegen(GK); Cancelo, Cubarsi, Araujo, Kounde; Gundogan, Chistensen, Lopez; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Yamal
Match Prediction for Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
Both teams will enter this encounter brimming with confidence as they have qualified for the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final. Given the ample quality possessed by both sides, this match promises to be tightly contested, with neither team holding a clear advantage. Ultimately, this fixture is likely to conclude in a deadlock.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
Telecast for Atletico vs Madrid vs Barcelona
India – Sports 18 Network, JioCinema
UK– Viaplay Sports 2, LaLigaTV, Viaplay UK
US – ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
Nigeria – SuperSport
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