The Wanda Metropolitano is set to stage a thrilling La Liga showdown on Sunday evening, as title contenders Atletico Madrid and Barcelona face off in one of the season’s most crucial clashes.
Barcelona currently lead the La Liga standings, holding a one-point advantage over third-placed Atletico, with both sides coming into this encounter following their Champions League commitments.
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Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Preview
Atletico Madrid endured a heartbreaking Champions League exit on Wednesday night, falling to bitter rivals Real Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout. Julian Alvarez’s decisive double tap in the shootout will be etched in memory.
Diego Simeone’s side secured a 1-0 victory over Los Blancos in the second leg of their last-16 tie, delivering an impressive performance. However, once again, they fell short against Real Madrid on the European stage.
There’s no time for Atletico to dwell on the disappointment, as they remain in contention for a domestic double. The second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona looms in early April, with the tie finely poised at 4-4.
In La Liga, Atletico sit third, just one point behind Barcelona, though the Catalan club has a game in hand after their clash with Osasuna was postponed at the last moment.
Simeone’s men suffered a setback in their title chase with a 2-1 defeat to Getafe in their previous league outing. However, they boast the second-best home record in La Liga this season, amassing 34 points from 14 matches at the Wanda Metropolitano.
While Atletico have been formidable at home this season, Barcelona boast the best away record in La Liga, collecting 30 points from 14 matches with nine wins, three draws, and two defeats.
Hansi Flick’s squad remains in contention for a treble, having secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Benfica in Tuesday’s last-16 second-leg clash.
Barcelona were set to face Osasuna in La Liga last weekend, but the match was postponed following the heartbreaking news of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia’s passing just hours before kickoff.
With a game in hand over Real Madrid and Atletico, the league leaders are in a strong position at the top, reinforced by their prolific attack. They have netted 71 goals in 26 league games, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal all delivering standout performances.
However, Barcelona have yet to beat Atletico this season, falling 2-1 in the reverse league fixture in September and playing out a thrilling 4-4 draw in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg in February.
The Catalan side will take confidence from their last visit to the Wanda Metropolitano, where they claimed a commanding 3-0 victory in last season’s corresponding fixture.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Head-to-head
Barcelona hold the advantage in the overall head-to-head record, securing 110 wins compared to Atletico Madrid’s 77, with 57 encounters ending in draws.
The Catalan giants have also been more prolific in attack, scoring 460 goals in their 244 meetings with Atletico, while the Madrid side has managed 354.
Lionel Messi remains the all-time top scorer in this fixture, netting 32 times against Atletico—16 more than second-placed Cesar Rodriguez.
Barcelona also dominate the La Liga head-to-head, winning 80 of their 175 clashes, while Atletico have claimed 53 victories, with 42 matches ending level.
Ten of the last 11 meetings between the two sides have come in La Liga, where Barcelona had enjoyed a five-match winning streak, including 1-0 and 3-0 triumphs in the 2023-24 season.
However, Atletico stunned their rivals in December 2024 with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, as Alexander Sorloth sealed the win with a late goal.
Between January 2020 and October 2021, Atletico went five games unbeaten against Barcelona, winning three times—including two league victories during that run.
Their most recent league triumph over Barcelona also marked their first away win against the Catalan club since February 2006.
The two sides also faced off in February 2025 in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, playing out an electrifying 4-4 draw in the first leg. The decisive second leg is set to take place in early April.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Atletico Madrid – Team News
Atletico Madrid will be without Angel Correa for the clash against Barcelona, as the forward received a red card late in their 2-1 loss to Getafe.
Captain Koke remains doubtful, while Rodrigo De Paul’s fitness will be monitored after sustaining a knock in the closing moments of the Madrid derby, though he is likely to be fit for selection.
Diego Simeone is expected to make minimal changes to his lineup from the Real Madrid encounter, with Nahuel Molina possibly replacing Marcos Llorente, while Conor Gallagher is set to keep his place in the starting XI.
Atletico Madrid – Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeper – Oblak
- Defenders – Llorente, Gimenez, Le Normand, Galan
- Midfielders – Simeone, Barrios, Lino, Simione
- Forwards – Griezmann, Alvarez
Barcelona – Team News
Barcelona will remain without Marc Bernal and Marc-André ter Stegen due to their ongoing knee injuries, while Andreas Christensen is theoretically available and could make the squad.
Hansi Flick faces key selection dilemmas, particularly in central defense, where Íñigo Martínez might be the one to drop out. In midfield, Dani Olmo could be preferred over Gavi in the attacking role.
The front three of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski is expected to stay unchanged, while Frenkie de Jong is likely to start ahead of Marc Casado. Barcelona will also have a formidable bench for this crucial title clash.
Barcelona – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Szczesny
- Defenders – Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde
- Midfielders – De Jong, Pedri, Olmo
- Forwards – Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Prediction
These two sides have not played out a league draw since May 2021, with Barcelona winning five of their last seven matches across all competitions. However, Atletico’s impressive home form cannot be overlooked, and Simeone’s side should have enough resilience to earn a point in this encounter.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
When and Where to Watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The La Liga 2024/25 match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona will take place at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain. The match is set for March 17 at 1:30 am IST. It will be streamed online via GXR World.
FAQs
When and where will Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona take place?
The match will be held at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday evening in a crucial La Liga title showdown.
What is the current La Liga standings for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona?
Barcelona sit atop the table, just one point ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid, with a game in hand.
Which key players are missing for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona?
Atletico will be without Angel Correa (suspension), while Barcelona remain without Marc Bernal and Marc-André ter Stegen (knee injuries).
What is the recent head-to-head record between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona?
Barcelona have won five of their last seven meetings, but Atletico secured a 2-1 victory in their most recent La Liga clash.
What is the predicted score for Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona?
Given Atletico’s strong home form and Barcelona’s attacking firepower, a 1-1 draw is the expected outcome.
