Ace Football previews the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and offers the latest stats, tips, and team news.
A huge showdown between La Liga title rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid takes place at Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon.
The outcome in Catalonia could play a decisive impact on how the title battle plays out. With only four matches left, Atletico are top of the standings. But Real Madrid and Barcelona sit only two points below in second and third respectively and are ready to capitalize on any potential slip-ups.
It should set up another intense and cagey affair for this weekend’s showdown. Both sides are desperate to avoid defeat in a fixture where they’ve been evenly matched in the past, having drawn three of their last five league encounters at Camp Nou.
FC Barcelona Form & Stats
After a 2-1 home defeat to Granada, Barcelona returned to winning ways last weekend by beating Valencia 3-2. All five goals came in the second half at the Mestalla. Lionel Messi continued his prolific form by scoring twice, while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Ronald Koeman’s men have indeed been impressive since the turn of the year. They’ve collected a league-high of 49 points in 2021 alone (W16 D1 L2), which is eight more points than Atletico Madrid.
The Blaugrana now have a golden opportunity to snatch the lead in the La Liga table. They have a solid record against Atletico, having lost only one of their last 21 league meeting (W14 D6), and will look to make full use of home advantage.
Key Team Stats
- Won 16 of their last 19 league games (D1 L2).
- BTTS in each of their last 4 league games.
- Over 2.5 goals in their last 5 league games.
- Haven’t lost 2 consecutive home league games since April 2016 under Luis Enrique.
- Lost only 1 of their last 21 league games against Atletico Madrid (W14 D6).
- Antoine Griezmann has failed to score in his 11 league games against former club Atletico Madrid.
- Lionel Messi has scored 32 goals in 42 games against Atletico Madrid in all competitions.
- Lionel Messi has scored 7 goals in his last 5 games in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid Form & Stats
Marcos Llorente scored the decisive goal to seal a 1-0 win over Elche last weekend. The former Real Madrid man is arguably the driving force behind Atletico’s title charge, having supplied 12 goals and 10 assists this season.
His performance at Camp Nou, therefore, could prove critical as Diego Simeone’s men look to avoid defeat to keep their title hopes strong. Given their recent away record, however, that will be easier said than done.
In fact, Atletico have won just two of their last eight away games in all competitions (D3 L3). Their last victory at Camp Nou, meanwhile, came back in February 2006 under Pepe Murcia. They’ve since gone winless in their last 14 trips to Barcelona’s home ground (D4 L10) in the league.
Key Team Stats
- Won only 2 of their last 8 away games in all competitions (D3 L3).
- Winless in their last 14 away league games against Barcelona (D4 L10).
- Under 2.5 goals scored in 6 of their last 7 away league games.
- Best defensive record in the league on 22 conceded goals in 34 games.
- Marcos Llorente has managed 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 league games.
- Diego Simeone has only claimed 4 wins in 29 games against Barcelona in all competitions (D10 L15).
- Former Barcelona star Luis Suarez has failed to score in his last 3 league games.
Team News
FC Barcelona
Out: Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati.
Doubts: N/A.
Atletico Madrid
Out: N/A.
Doubts: N/A.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Scorers in La Liga
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in La Liga.
Betting Tips
More Odds
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