La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live

Atlético Madrid travel to FC Barcelona on Sunday midnight for what promises to be the biggest showdown of this LaLiga season so far. The two sides come into this clash with contrasting form; Atlético are brimming with confidence, riding an impressive 11-game winning streak across all competitions, while Barcelona’s formidable attack has lost its spark. The Catalans have seen their commanding lead at the top evaporate, managing just five points out of a possible 18 in their last six matches.

Pedri and Pablo Barrios La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live
Pedri and Pablo Barrios

After a disappointing home loss to Leganés last weekend, Barcelona return to action for their final match of 2024, facing a massive showdown against Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Saturday Night Fútbol. Can Atlético seize control of LaLiga’s title race heading into the Christmas break, or will the Colchoneros allow Barça to reclaim the momentum?

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Match Preview

Barça enter this match in a steep decline in domestic form, having won just one of their last six league games and suffered two consecutive home losses to relegation-threatened sides. The performances haven’t been terrible, which only adds to the frustration, with the main problem being their lack of efficiency in front of goal, especially for a team that was unstoppable just six weeks ago.

Barcelona now face an Atlético Madrid side in red-hot form: the Colchoneros have won 11 consecutive matches across all competitions, conceding only seven goals during this run, three of which came in a thrilling 4-3 win over Sevilla. They continue to solidify their reputation as an elite defensive unit while also adding a potent attacking threat, with Julián Álvarez finding his rhythm after a slow start following his big-money move from Manchester City and Antoine Griezmann playing some of the best football of his career at 33 years old.

Atletico Madrids Recent Form La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live
Atletico Madrid’s Recent Form

While there’s some luck involved in their impressive streak, that’s to be expected when you rack up double-digit wins. The reality is that Atlético is a highly talented, well-rounded, and expertly coached team currently enjoying their best form in years, and they’re primed to finally break their road jinx against Barça. Atlético haven’t won at the Camp Nou since 2006, and Simeone has yet to secure a victory in his 17 visits to Catalonia as manager.

While Hansi Flick’s team is struggling at the moment, they’ve performed well in nearly every major match this season, including a crucial European victory over Borussia Dortmund amid their recent slump. With a full week’s rest, which should help a fatigued squad, Barcelona has consistently brought the right intensity and focus in their encounters with top-tier teams this season.

If Barça can regain that level of performance, they are more than capable of ending Atlético’s streak. The game could be more open than expected, especially given the visitors’ current confidence and attacking firepower. Barcelona has recently struggled against teams that sit back defensively, so they could benefit if Simeone opts for a more attacking approach in this match.

If Atlético (11-5-1, 38 points) manage to triumph over Barcelona (12-2-4, 38 points), the win would be doubly significant. It would not only put Atleti three points ahead of Barça but also grant them the crucial head-to-head advantage, all while maintaining a game in hand. Conversely, a defeat would extend Los Rojiblancos’ frustrating streak against this opponent to five straight losses and prolong their winless run at Barcelona—a drought so lengthy, at 18 years, it could now vote in an election.

Barcelona’s surprising defeat to Leganés on Sunday highlighted the effectiveness of a compact and disciplined defensive block that limits space in the penalty area. Leganés captain Sergio González, whose fourth-minute free header from a set piece stood firm for 86 minutes, credited this approach for their success.

We focused on tracking the second runs and, most importantly, shutting down the inside channels to force them wide,” González explained to Cadena SER. “With their crosses from wide areas, we felt very comfortable, and I think that was the key to preventing them from breaking through the middle.”

For Atlético de Madrid to triumph at Barcelona, they will need to rely on their work rate and ingenuity while avoiding prolonged defensive spells. Those 10-minute stretches where the Rojiblancos absorb pressure without threatening on the counterattack could prove costly. Barcelona’s renowned style thrives on midfielders who are nearly press-proof—like Pedri and Marc Casadó in the current setup—enabling them to maintain possession and create numerical advantages that can dismantle even the most disciplined defenses.

For this reason, Cholo Simeone is likely to start Conor Gallagher, who was unused against Getafe last weekend. His objective will be to implement a mid-low block that channels Barcelona’s possession out wide, forcing the Blaugrana into delivering crosses for Jan Oblak to collect, while Josema Giménez and Clément Lenglet handle aerial clearances. Simeone’s focus won’t necessarily be on limiting the number of shots Atleti concede but rather on minimizing the quality of those chances, especially within 12 yards of Oblak’s goal.

However, for an Atlético side that has thrived on a proactive approach during its winning streak, reverting to a more reactive mindset will pose a mental challenge. This tactical shift could very well determine whether they leave with three points or none.

Barcelona’s potent attack has been the driving force behind their impressive start to the season, with their 50 goals leading LaLiga by a significant margin. However, Lamine Yamal’s ankle injury will force suspended Barça manager Hansi Flick to adapt his plans for Saturday’s clash. This situation is likely to elevate Raphinha’s importance even further, as the revitalized forward continues a career-best season.

Raphinha and Julian Alvarez La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live
Raphinha and Julian Alvarez

Raphinha ranks second in LaLiga with 11 goals (trailing Robert Lewandowski by five) and second in assists with six (three behind Yamal). His 17 goal contributions this season already surpass his tallies from either of his first two campaigns in Catalonia. While the Blaugrana could turn to Ferrán Torres as a replacement for their injured Golden Boy, the Spain international is expected to play on the left, where he’ll face a tough test against Atlético’s right-sided duo of Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone.

Meanwhile, on the left flank, Javi Galán enters the match after an impressive outing, winning 17 duels on the ground and in the air. Still, Raphinha will be favored in his individual battle against a defensively vulnerable full-back.

Gallagher’s ability to support his left-back will be crucial in this scenario. As Raphinha charges through the attacking third, sending passes into the penalty area for Lewandowski or cutting inside himself to shoot (with 9 of his 10 non-penalty goals coming from within 18 yards), Gallagher will need to be the defensive enforcer. If Galán’s initial challenge is bypassed, Gallagher can use his physicality to track Raphinha’s run, forcing the Brazilian to seek alternatives around the box.

The absence of Yamal, however, will be particularly challenging for Barcelona. The Blaugrana have developed a kind of “Laminedependencia,” having failed to win a single LaLiga match this season without the young phenom in the starting lineup. Additionally, Raphinha revealed this week to ESPN that Barcelona’s players are struggling with fatigue ahead of the LaLiga winter break, citing it as the “biggest factor” in Barça’s recent slump.

Two of Spain’s most promising young midfielders will face off in this match. While Barcelona boast an excellent record when Lamine Yamal starts, Atlético Madrid have yet to lose a game that Barrios has started this season, with a standout 9-2-0 record in LaLiga.

Pablo Barrios La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live
Pablo Barrios

Barrios has dismissed comparisons to the “new Koke,” but at 21, he is quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Atlético’s midfield. His presence is central to their revamped rest defense, allowing Rodrigo de Paul the freedom to influence matches in ways he hasn’t consistently since joining Madrid. Barrios’ energy, ball-carrying ability to escape Barcelona’s counter-pressing, and his precise switches of play to Giuliano Simeone, who looks to exploit the space behind Alejandro Baldé, will be crucial in breaking through Barcelona’s offside trap and providing a vital outlet on the counter.

In his first full season with Barcelona’s first team, Casadó — just 91 days younger than Barrios — is on track to become the next standout Blaugrana midfielder. While his ball-carrying might not immediately catch the eye, his defensive skills, especially his tackling, are vital to Barcelona’s rejuvenated pressing system under Flick. Like many La Masia graduates, Casadó also possesses impressive technical ability, as showcased by his brilliant lofted assist for Lewandowski’s opener in the 4-0 win over Real Madrid two months ago.

Both Barrios and Casadó made their debuts for Spain last month during the UEFA Nations League group stage. This first club-level showdown between them as starters could set the tone for the next decade, as Barcelona and Atlético reload for the future while competing for the LaLiga title in the present.

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Head-to-Head

In their last five encounters, Barcelona have dominated Atlético Madrid, securing five wins, while Atlético have failed to register a victory, with no draws between the two teams.

  • Played: 242
  • Atletico Madrid Wins: 76
  • Draws: 56
  • Barcelona Wins: 110

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Team News and Predicted Lineup

Barcelona: Team News

Barcelona will be without Lamine Yamal this weekend due to an ankle injury sustained in the match against Leganés, with the 17-year-old expected to be sidelined for up to a month. Yamal has been in exceptional form this season, and his absence will be a blow for the Catalan side.

Barcelonas Lamine Yamal 2 La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal

Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati both have slim chances of returning to the squad, while Marc Bernal and Marc-André ter Stegen remain long-term absentees. Ronald Araujo has recovered from a hamstring injury that required surgery but is expected to start on the bench once again.

Fermin López could be the one to step in for Yamal, with Dani Olmo shifting to a wider position. Pau Cubarsi is also expected to return to the central defense, while Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are likely to remain on the bench.

Barcelona: Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

  • Goalkeeper – Pena
  • Defenders – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde
  • Midfielders – Casado, Pedri, Olmo
  • Forwards – Fermin, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Atletico Madrid: Team News

Atleti travel to Barcelona with a fully fit squad, but Simeone is unlikely to make many changes to the team that triumphed over Getafe. Los Rojiblancos have been in excellent form, and the Argentine coach will likely stick with the winning formula.

With Thomas Lemar recently returning to full fitness, Simeone has no new injury concerns heading into the weekend’s match.

The head coach could make just one change to the side that started against Getafe, with Conor Gallagher expected to return to a wide role, likely replacing Samuel Lino on the bench.

Conor Gallagher La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live
Conor Gallagher

Despite scoring against Getafe, Sorloth is expected to be among the substitutes, with Griezmann and Álvarez set to feature as the two strikers. Koke is also likely to miss out on a starting spot.

Simeone has favored a 4-4-2 formation in recent matches and is expected to maintain the same setup on Saturday. Julian Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann will lead the attack, while Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios are likely to anchor the midfield. Former Barcelona defender Clément Lenglet will partner José María Giménez in central defense.

Atletico Madrid: Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

  • Goalkeeper – Oblak
  • Defenders – Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan
  • Midfielders – Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher
  • Forwards – Griezmann, Alvarez

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Match Prediction

Barcelona have won their last five encounters with Atleti and were clear favorites for this matchup earlier in the season. However, recent form has shifted, making Saturday’s clash much more difficult to call.

Gavi and Rodrigo De Paul La Liga 2024/25: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch The Match Live
Gavi and Rodrigo De Paul

Atleti come into the game with strong form, while Barcelona have the stronger squad and home advantage. The match is expected to be a tense and closely contested affair as both teams aim to finish the year on a high, with Real Madrid poised to capitalize on any mistakes.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Atlético Madrid

When and Where to Watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid? Broadcast and Streaming Details

Atletico Madrid will face Barcelona on Sunday midnight, December 22, with the match set to kick off at 1:30 AM IST. GXR World Website holds the broadcasting rights for the La Liga 2024-25 season in India. The game will be streamed live on the GXR World Website. Fans can also watch the match via live stream on the GXR World app on their smartphones in India.

Read More: ISL 2024/25: East Bengal vs Jamshedpur FC – Match Preview, Prediction and How to Watch it Live?

FAQs

What is Barcelona’s recent form heading into the match against Atlético Madrid?

Barcelona has struggled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last six La Liga games and losing two consecutive home matches.

How has Atlético Madrid been performing recently?

Atlético Madrid is in excellent form, having won 11 consecutive games across all competitions, with a strong defensive record.

Is Lamine Yamal playing in the upcoming match for Barcelona?

No, Lamine Yamal will miss the match due to an ankle injury sustained against Leganés, and he could be sidelined for up to a month.

What formation is Atlético Madrid expected to use against Barcelona?

Atlético is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation, with Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann leading the attack and Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios anchoring the midfield.

What is the prediction for the Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid game?

The game is expected to be a close, tight affair, with a predicted score of Barcelona 1-1 Atlético Madrid.

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