Atlético Madrid - Barcelona summary: score, goals, highlights, LaLiga EA Sports
LaLiga EA Sports: Atlético Madrid 0-3 Barcelona as it happened
Atlético Madrid 0-3 Barcelona: full-time thoughts
There are few who would’ve imagined this game would end 3-0 to Barcelona after the opening 30 minutes. Atleti started brightly and did almost all of the attacking early on, with Xavi’s side struggling to get anything going in the final third.
Barrios steered a great chance wide early on, and Molina failed to pick out Lino from the right when he was all alone in the middle.
But as the hosts dropped off the pace, Barça came into their own and never looked back. All of a sudden they were a threat, with Fermin López and Raphinha going close immediately before Félix prodded the opening goal past Oblak.
Despite Xavi being sent to the stands for dissent, the away side went from strength to strength in the second half. Lewandowski doubled his team’s lead with a brilliant finish immediately after the restart, denting any hopes Atleti had of making a fast start to the half.
Barça saw out the remainder of the game with relatively few issues, despite the home team’s huffing and puffing. Lewandowski provided a superb cross for Fermin López to head in a third, which killed the contest off midway through the second half.
Atlético Madrid and Barcelona to meet again in the Champions League?
Two wins out of two for Barcelona against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga this season. But could the teams meet again in the Champions League semi-finals? PSG and Dortmund stand in the way of third and fourth meetings of the campaign, which would take place on 30 April/1 May and 7/8 May.
To get there, Atleti are going to have to up their game again.
Atlético Madrid's Champions League struggle
I mentioned before kick-off that Atleti had never finished outside the top three since Diego Simeone took charge of his first full season. That record might be about to be broken, however. They are seven points behind third-placed Girona and one adrift of Athletic Club, who are, in theory, in the final Champions League spot for next season.
T | MP | W | D | L | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 62 | 29 | 19 | 5 | 5 |
4 | 56 | 29 | 16 | 8 | 5 |
5 | 55 | 29 | 17 | 4 | 8 |
6 | 46 | 29 | 12 | 10 | 7 |
7 | 42 | 29 | 10 | 12 | 7 |
Barcelona move back to within eight points of Real Madrid
It's not over until it's over, right? Barcelona just need to keep on winning and see what happens. The good news is they've moved up into second and are on their best run of form of the season. The bad news, they're still eight points behind Real Madrid.
T | MP | W | D | L | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 72 | 29 | 22 | 6 | 1 |
2 | 64 | 29 | 19 | 7 | 3 |
3 | 62 | 29 | 19 | 5 | 5 |
4 | 56 | 29 | 16 | 8 | 5 |
5 | 55 | 29 | 17 | 4 | 8 |
Full-time: Atlético Madrid 0-3 Barcelona
A goal and two assists for Robert Lewandowski, with Atleti loanee João Félix and Fermín López also on the scoresheet at the Metropolitano.
No time, or need, for the corner to be taken...
Lewandowski takes the resultant free-kick and curls just wide, via a deflection!
Molina red card stands
After a VAR check, there was no offside. The red card stands!
Molina sent off
Molina hauls down Roque and, as last man, is sent off! Although that looked offside to me...
Three minutes of injury time to be played.
Gündogan does shoot, but it's an easy save for Oblak.
Koke chops down Casadó on the edge of the box and I think Gündogan is going to have a go from here.
Barrios yellow card
Barrios crashes into Casadó and is rightly booked for his mischief.
I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest Barcelona aren't in any danger of being pegged back now. Atleti are still plugging away but there's nothing doing.
Saúl blasts wide from close range!
That was a lovely move from the hosts. Correa and Molina play a clever one-two and the former blasts the ball across goal. It falls to Saúl, who skews horribly wide from close range when he has to score.
A brilliant challenge from Cubarsí prevents Atleti from grabbing what would surely be just a consolation...but in the midst of all that, what a turn from Memphis Depay! Araújo had to pay to get back in, I think.
Double Barcelona substitution
Iñigo Martínez and debutant Marc Casadó replace Fermín López and Fort, who looks to have picked up a knock.
A fine challenge from young Fort as he stops Molina from making tracks down the Atleti right. The ball cannons back off the Argentine and out for a Barça throw, which sums up how things are going at the moment.
Very nearly a chance for Atleti as Barrios runs through on goal but the ball has too much on it and skips through to ter Stegen.
Double Barcelona change
Monumental boos for Félix as he goes off, as does Sergi Roberto. Romeu and Vitor Roque come on.
Not put off by his last (terrible) effort, Correa tries his luck again from long range and it goes even further wide this time...albeit via a deflection. The corner comes to nothing.
That's a very soft free-kick for a foul on Lewandowski. Atleti could've had some joy there too.
Depay's effort too high
Four Barça players crowd around Depay on the edge of the box but can't stop him from getting a shot away. That was Harry Houdini-esque (if he played soccer, I assume). The Dutchman's effort flies over, though (I don't have any info on Houdini's shooting skills).
Barrios shoots over
Correa charges down the right flank and cuts the ball back for Barrios, whose effort from the edge of the box flies well over.
Atlético substitution
Saúl has come on for De Paul for Atleti. Not the Argentine's best night.
In fairness to the Atleti fans, they are still going for it. Not many would be.
It is too easy to say Atleti are suffering from a Champions League hangover? Probably, especially as they started well here. But they've faded badly and look nothing like the team that turned the tie around against Inter on Wednessday.
Lewandowski turns provider this time, clipping a lovely cross in for Fermín, who gets in behind Witsel and bullets a header past Oblak. 0-3!
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL BARCELONA! FERMÍN LÓPEZ!
That, I reckon, will be that!
Lewandowski shoots wide!
Ter Stegen takes out the entire Atleti defence with one pass over the top for Lewandowski, who's again running away from goal but manages to get a shot away, which this time flies well wide.
Savic yellow card
Well, we all know Savic has that in his locker. An ugly challenge on Félix as he goes through the back of the Portuguese. That might've been an orange card in today's game.
Yamal on for Raphinha
A like-for-like change for Barça as young Lamine Yamal comes on.
Correa shoots from long range and...let's just say the less said about it, the better.
Fermín's cross from the right reaches Félix, who can take it down and shoot but takes a loose touch, and the chance is gone.
Atleti changes
Koke and Correa do indeed come on for Atleti. Riquelme and Llorente are done for the day.
Depay fizzes a pass into the box, where there are three Atleti shirts waiting to pounce. The ball reaches Riquelme, who completely miskicks from a decent position.
Looks as if we're going to have two more Atleti changes, with Correa and Koke about to come on.
After a horror start to the half, Atleti are showing signs of life!
Ter Stegen makes superb triple save!
What have I just seen?!
Llorente smacks one low into the corner and ter Stegen somehow gets down to keep it out, and gets back up to save the rebound from Depay, who was actually offside. A great stop nevertheless.
Seconds later, the German had also saved a long-range effort from Riquelme.
Depay almost gets on the end of a long ball over the top but takes a loose touch which allows Araújo to clear the danger.
López breaks in behind the Atleti defence and tries to pick out Lewandowski at the back post. He lofts the ball up a bit too far ahead of the Pole, who gets a flick on it but can't direct it goalwards.
What a buzzkill for Atleti. Griezmann and Depay coming on gave them hope, which is now dwindling.
De Paul gifts possession to Raphinha, who feeds it through to Lewandowski in the box. The Pole is facing away from goal but twists brilliantly to fire across Oblak and in off the post!
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAA BARCELONA! LEWANDOWSKI!
Not a good start to the half for De Paul...
De Paul yellow card
How long did that take? 12 seconds? De Paul clatters into Sergi Roberto and that's the yellowest yellow you're likely to see.
Back underway!
Here we go again! Atleti kick off.
Lino and Morata had their moments in the first half. They won't be having any more in the second, though.
Griezmann and Depay on at half-time for Atleti
I can confirm! On come Griezmann and Depay, off go Lino and Morata.
Atleti half-time subs?
There are strong rumours going around that Griezmann and Memphis Depay are coming on for Atleti at half time. Two ex-Barcelona players, that'll spice the occasions up a bit more.
Atlético Madrid 0-1 Barcelona: half-time thoughts
Atleti have been marginally the better team on the whole, with Barcelona non-existent as an attacking force in the opening 30 minutes.
Barrios steered a great chance wide early on, and Molina failed to pick out Lino from the right when he was all alone in the middle.
The hosts dropped off the pace slightly after half-an-hour, allowing the Catalans to get a proper foothold in the game. And after Fermin López and Raphinha had threatened, Félix prodded past Oblak to ruthlessly put the visitors ahead.
Not that it improved Xavi’s mood much, the Barça coach booked twice for complaining about decisions - or lack thereof - to the match officials just before half-time.
Barcelona grow into the game...slowly
There was nothing for Barcelona to shout about in the first half-an-hour. But almost as soon as they finally began stringing a few passes together, they hit the front with their best move of the game. Félix touched in Lewandowski's low cross to put Barça ahead. Not that that helped Xavi calm down - he was shown two yellow cards in a minute and sent to the stands moments later.
Cargando...
Atleti the better team for 30 minutes
Barcelona were hardly in the game in the opening 30 minutes, with Atleti's intensity stifling them. Barrios missed the hosts' best chance, and they made a mess of another really promising attack when Lino was all alone in the middle. Morata also had the chance to level minutes after they fell behind, volleying over when he really should've done better.
Cargando...
Half time: Atlético Madrid 0-1 Barcelona
João Félix has hardly been involved but he was involved when it mattered! His goal is the difference, with Xavi watching from the stands after being shown two yellow cards for dissent.
One extra minute to be played.
Atleti have totally lost their way in the last 10 minutes but they could quite easily have been level there.
Huge chance for Morata!
De Paul's ball into the box falls perfectly for Morata, who volleys over when he should've done better!
Xavi sent off!
Less than a minute later and Xavi is no more! Someone definitely peed in his cereal this morning.
Xavi next to see yellow
Xavi looks like a bear with a sore head on the touchline despite the goal. And he's been shown a yellow card for his persistent complaining, by the looks of it.
Barcelona have been pretty poor for 30 minutes or so, but they've picked things up a bit in the last few minutes. An immediate reward.
It's a brilliant move. Gündogan shows great feet to make space in midfield, feeds Lewandowski on the left and the Pole picks out Félix, who prods the ball past Oblak from close range!
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL BARCELONA! FÉLIX!
Who else was it going to be?!
Oblak saves from Fermín López!
THAT is Barcelona's best attack! López breaks in behind the Atleti defence and into the box, with his low shot saved by ter Stegen's feet!
Barrios gets away without a booking - much to the unhappiness of Xavi, Lewandowski, Araújo and everyone in a yellow shirt - for pulling Gündogan back in midfield. Just like Raphinha...
Raphinha heads wide!
Barcelona's most dangerous attack! Lewandowski finds space on the left and curls a cross to the back post to Raphinha, who - in all honestly - looks as if he's heading a ball for the first time in his life as it bounces well wide.
Seconds later, Raphinha could quite easily have joined his mate for pulling back Lino. Lucky boy.
Koundé yellow card
Koundé lashes out at Riquelme in midfield and is first in the book. Can't complain.
Xavi gesturing non-stop to his players from the touchline. Not sure he'll like what he's seen so far.
Llorente storms into a challenge on Fermín López in midfield, preventing what could've been a promising Barcelona break. They really can't get anything going.
We've just had a round of boos for Félix as he picked up possession, which is almost the first time it's happened. Which shows you just how much of an impact he's had on the game.
Oooooh, just for a second it looked as if Llorente was going to get in behind the Barça defence down the right. A loose touch and an offside flag nip the attack in the bud, though.
That's not saying much, admittedly, as Barcelona have offered next to nothing in attack...
Atleti definitely looking the more dangerous of the two teams so far. Can they capitalise?
Actually, it was Cubarsí who got a foot in to thwart Morata there. A crucial interception from the young defender!
Morata effort saved!
A big chance missed for the hosts! Llorente and Molina link up brilliantly down the right and the latter has Lino all alone in the middle, but he overhits the cross, forcing Lino wide. Even so, he beats Koundé and fires in a low cross, with Morata's flick diverted wide by ter Stegen!
Lino feeds a nice ball into the box for Morata, who wants to hold off Cubarsí and control it, but completely misses the ball, which skips out for a goal kick.
Well, it looked as if Riquelme did try to shoot. Blocked at the near post.
Free-kick to Atleti on the edge of the box!
Another step or two and that was a penalty! Riquelme beats Gündogan for pace and the Barça man clips him from behind on the edge of the box. It's too tight an angle for a shot, surely?
With Christensen out, Gündogan is playing a deeper midfield role for Barcelona, which I'd argue doesn't get the best out of him.
Koundé goes down in the box!
The match official is adamant there was nothing doing....and having seen a replay, there probably wasn't. No penalty, despite Barcelona's claims.
Savic hoofs the ball up in the air, Morata and Araújo get involved in some grappling and don't seem especially interested in the ball. The Atleti man goes down (again) on the edge of the box, but nothing given.
That corner ends in an Atleti breakaway, but Barça manage to smuggle it back to ter Stegen, who's ready to launch his next attack.
Good work from Raphinha down the Barça sees him get past Lino and fend off Reinildo, with a corner the outcome!
Ter Stegen has zipped a couple of nice passes into Lewandowski's feet in the opening minutes. Not that it's helped Barça create anything in attack. Oblak's gloves are still sparkling clean.
Barrios goes close!
Barça make a mess of playing out from the back and Barrios is presented with a fairly clear sight of goal, but shoots just wide! A big chance!
That corner led to another corner, which led to a ball into the box for Morata, who goes down! Offside is the call...
Lino makes tracks down the left, with Barcelona not especially interested in stopping him, it seems. Corner!
First sustained spell of possession for Barcelona, who have been pretty lethargic on the ball in plenty of games this season. Let's see how they go here.
De Paul floats a pass in behind the Barcelona defence and gives Morata something to chase. Araújo is a step ahead but can only clear the ball out for a throw.
Young Héctor Fort may only be 17 but he's not messing about here, going in hard on Molina.
Underway at the Metropolitano!
Barcelona get us going! Strap yourselves in!
Noisy at the Metropolitano! Did we expect anything else?
Two young Atlético fans who are suffering from cancer are taking the honorary kick-off before the game. A lovely touch.
Late change for Barcelona: Christensen replaced by Fermín López
I haven't put a fancy graphic up for the Barcelona team because the one's I've seen are wrong.
And that's because Andreas Christensen has got injured in he warm-up and has been replaced by Fermín López at the last second.
Barcelona team to play Atlético Madrid
Fort comes in for the injured Cancelo, and there's been a late change too...
Ter Stegen, Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Fort; Sergi Roberto, López, Gündogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Félix.
Atlético Madrid team to play Barcelona: Griezmann benched
Oblak, Savic, Witsel, Reinildo; Molina, Llorente, Barrios, De Paul, Lino; Morata, Riquelme.
"Where's Antoine Griezmann?" I hear you ask. "On the bench," I answer.
A rest for the Frenchman after his Champions League exertions and a recent knock.
- goalkeeper
- 13Oblak
- defenders
- 23Reinildo Mandava
- 20Witsel
- 15Savic
- midfielders
- 14Marcos Llorente
- 16Nahuel Molina
- 12Samuel Lino
- 24Pablo Barrios Rivas
- 5De Paul
- forwards
- 17Rodrigo Riquelme
- 19Morata
- substitutes
- CoachDiego Simeones
- 10Correa
- 4Gabriel Paulista
- 3Azpilicueta
- 1Horatiu Moldovan
- 31Antonio Gomis
- 7Griezmann
- 6Koke
- 18Arthur Vermeeren
- 8Saúl
- 9Depay
Five minutes until kick-off!
Right, there are five minutes to go until kick-off, so we should probably have another look at how the teams are going to line up, shouldn't we?
Félix scores for the enemy in Montjuïc
In the first meeting of the teams this season, Barcelona won by a goal to nil in Catalonia and you'll never guess who scored...
That's right, even if you hadn't read the title of this post, you could've guessed it was João Félix, couldn't you? The Portuguese scored the only goal after 28 minutes to continue Barça's dominance over Atleti.
Atlético Madrid - Barcelona: last five meetings
December 2023: Barcelona 1-0 Atlético Madrid
April 2023: Barcelona 1-0 Atlético Madrid
January 2023: Atlético Madrid 0-1 Barcelona
February 2022: Barcelona 4-2 Atlético Madrid
October 2021: Atlético Madrid 2-0 Barcelona
Atlético Madrid's struggles against Barcelona
Atlético fans, look away now...
You team won back-to-back games at Camp Nou in February 2005 and February 2006…but haven’t won at Camp Nou since then. On top of that, they've won only three of last 18 meetings in all competitions, and lost the last four.
Atleti president Enrique Cerezo "hasn't spoken about João Félix" with Joan Laporta
Speaking ahead of the match, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo has told DAZN Spain he had lunch with Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta earlier on Sunday but that the pair didn't speak about whether João Félix's move to Catalonia could be made permanent.
Would Barça want him? He's not been an undisputed starter and had as many indifferent games as good ones.
Metropolitano hosts Atlético Madrid - Barcelona
When Atlético Madrid left the Vicente Calderon's and moved into a brand new stadium, the fear was they'd lose some of the atmosphere their fans had created at their former home. But, as far as new grounds go, it keeps the noise in pretty well, which I'm sure we'll find out against Barça.
Cargando...
Still looking for a way to watch the game in the United States! Fear not, there is a way and here's Fidel to explain what it is!
You can also watch a live stream of Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona on fuboTV, which offers users a free trial
Barcelona improve after ter Stegen's return
Not to stick the boot in to poor Iñaki Peña, but Barcelona have been a different team since ter Stegen returned from a back injury. The Catalans are unbeaten in seven matches and have kept three clean sheets, which was not proving easy (understatement of the year) without the German.
Barça's ter Stegen red-dy for Atleti
Proof that Marc-André ter Stegen is definitely not on crutches (see earlier post) ahead of Atlético Madrid - Barcelona. Matching gloves and boots for te big German, very stylish.
Cargando...
Pau Cubarsí: Barcelona's man of the moment
Pau Cubarsí is Barcelona man of the moment. He only just turned 17 in January but has become a mainstay in central defence in the last couple of months, playing in the last nine LaLiga games, only one of which Barça have lost.
He was named MVP on his Champions League debut against Napoli on Wednesday and has earned his first call-up to the Spanish national team as a result of his recent form. Not that he can legally toast his success with some Cava…
What were you doing when you were 17?
Cargando...
No Griezmann from the start for Atleti
Atleti's English Twitter...sorry, X account tweeted (?) this out after their Champions League win over Inter. Unfortunately, Antoine Griezmann will start on the bench today, but I reckon there's a fair chance we'll see him work his magic a little later on.
Things didn’t quite work out for the Frenchman at Barcelona, but he’s back “home” and making Ateti tick once again. 19 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances this season for Griezmann, who’s become the club’s all-time top-scorer. But he’s about so much more than that. The man who can do it all.
Cargando...
Barcelona to wear Senyera fourth kit
Huge news! The Barcelona kits are laid out in ascending number order, much to my relief and, I can only assume, that of everyone else. The Catalans will be wearing their Senyera kit in the Spanish capital.
Cargando...
Barça's upturn in form after Xavi's announcement
It’s been some turnaround for Barcelona since Xavi Hernández announced he’d be leaving at the end of the season (after a 5-3 home defeat against Villarreal on 27 January). Since then, Barça are unbeaten in nine games (six wins, three draws).
Maybe he should’ve announced his departure at the start of the season...
Inside the Atlético Madrid dressing room
As someone who has a fairly mild (I think) case of OCD, the fact that Atleti players neither sit in number order or in accordance to their position kind of bugs me, I'm not going to lie.
Cargando...
Atlético Madrid: last five games
13 March: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Inter, Atleti win 4-2 on penalties (Champions League9
9 March: Cádiz 2-0 Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)
3 March: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Betis (LaLiga)
29 February: Athletic Club 3-0 Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey)
24 February: Almeria 2-2 Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)
Atlético Madrid's dip in form
After ending January with five wins in a row, Atlético have hit the buffers a bit since. They’ve only won three of their last 10 games, all of which have come at home. Their overall record at the Metropolitano is superb, as they’ve won eight of their last nine home games and lost only one of the last 32 matches, which have produced 29 victories.
Away from home, on the other hand...four defeats and a draw in their last five.
Barça attacker João Félix returns to "home" stadium
Barcelona's João Félix (well, actually, Atlético Madrid's João Félix...) is back at the Metropolotano. Remember he's only on loan with the Catalans and, unusually, he is allowed to play against his parent club, which he'll do from the start.
I sense a booing of epic proportions coming on. I'd maybe leave those earphones in, João, or switch them for some earplugs.
Cargando...
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen NOT on crutches upon arrival
For a second there at the start of this clip, I thought Marc André ter Stegen had walked into the stadium on crutches...Thankfully for him and Barcelona, it was the handle of his suitcase. Phew.
Cargando...
Atlético Madrid arrive at the Metropolitano
Atlético Madrid have arrived at the Metropolitano and it looks like they mean business. That said, does it ever look as if Jan Oblak and Stefan Savic don't mean business? I wouldn't want to meet them in a dark alley.
Cargando...
Atlético Madrid and Barcelona face potential UCL semi-final meeting
Could that big Champions League news have an effect on today's game? Well, yes, as neither Cancelo nor Griezmann is at full fitness as a result of their midweek exertions.
But more importantly, the draw has paired Atleti and Barcelona together in the UCL semi-finals, should they get past Dortmund and PSG respectively. Let the mind games commence, starting with today's game!
Champions League quarter-final draw: Barça face PSG, Atleti take on Dortmund
The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals has been rather kind to Atlético Madrid, I’d suggest. Simeone’s men will face Borussia Dortmund, currently fifth in the Bundesliga, in the past eight.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have had some pretty memorable meetings in the Champions League over the years….and we could be set for more!
Here's the full draw, with two of this season's favourites drawn against each other in the last eight, which neither seems especially impressed about.
Barcelona dispose of Napoli to make Champions League last eight
Barcelona’s last-16 win over Napoli was rather more straightforward, even if they did have a brief wobble. After a 1-1 draw in Italy, quick-fire early goals from Fermín López and João Cancelo put the Catalans in the driving seat, although Amir Rrahmani’s goal on the half-hour mark kept Napoli in the hunt. Robert Lewandowski’s late goal, however, killed the contest in Barça’s favour.
Atlético Madrid overturn Inter deficit to reach the UCL quarter-finals
The Champions League hasn’t always been kind to Atleti in recent years. They’ve twice been unlucky to lose to bitter rivals Real Madrid in finals, and they haven’t threatened a victory since last finishing as runners-up in 2016. But they’re still in the hunt this year after a dramatic win over Inter in the round of 16.
A late strike from Memphis Depay took the tie to extra time in the Spanish capital and Jan Oblak was the hero in the penalty shootout, saving from Alexis Sánchez and Davy Klassen before Lautaro Martínez blazed the deceive spot-kick over.
A good week for Atleti and Barça in the Champions League
Neither team has performed as well as they would’ve wanted in LaLiga this season, but they’ve not been doing too badly in the Champions League…
Cargando...
Atlético Madrid team to play Barcelona: Griezmann on the bench
Well, well, well! Who saw this coming? Antoine Griezmann is only on the bench for Atleti against his former club. To be fair, he was carrying a knock a couple of weeks ago, which may have something to do with it. I'm sure we'll see him a little later.
Oblak, Savic, Witsel, Reinildo; Molina, Llorente, Barrios, De Paul, Lino; Morata, Riquelme.
Cargando...
Barcelona team to play Atlético Madrid
Young defender Héctor Fort makes something of a surprise start, with João Cancelo a late casualty due to injury. João Félix also plays from the off against his parent club.
Ter Stegen, Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Fort; Sergi Roberto, Christensen, Gündogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Félix.
Cargando...
The calm before the storm
Barcelona are in Madrid on LaLiga duty today but could be back at the Metropolitano before too long in the Champions League. More on that in just a sec.
Cargando...
Barcelona squad news: Pedri, Gavi and de Jong among absentees
Xavi is still without midfield trio Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Gavi, with left-back Alejandro Balde out for the rest of the season. Attacker Ferran Torres should be back in action before much longer but isn’t ready to feature in Madrid.
Atlético Madrid squad news
Long-term injury victim Thomas Lemar (remember him?) remains absent, while defender Jose María Giménez is also out.
Vinicius injured in Real Madrid's Osasuna victory
The win against Osasuna did, however, come at a price for Real Madrid. Key man Vinicius Junior scored twice but suffered an injury in Pamplona, which is now set to keep him out for around a month. Ouch.
Does that give Barcelona any hope or is that clutching at straws...?
Real Madrid defeat Osasuna to maintain healthy lead
Barcelona had hoped Osasuna might do them a favour on Saturday, but no such luck. Real Madrid won 4-2 in Pamplona to move 11 points ahead of Xavi's boys, and they're now 10 clear of Girona, who lost at Getafe yesterday,
Can Barcelona still win LaLiga?
Barcelona haven’t yet given up all hope of winning LaLiga after a recent resurgence. But they’ll have to get their skates on. They’re 11 points behind Real Madrid, which means they really can’t afford any more slip ups, starting with this game.
A win in El Clásico (at the Bernabéu on 21 April) looks like a must, too.
T | MP | W | D | L | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 72 | 29 | 22 | 6 | 1 |
2 | 62 | 29 | 19 | 5 | 5 |
3 | 61 | 28 | 18 | 7 | 3 |
4 | 56 | 29 | 16 | 8 | 5 |
5 | 55 | 28 | 17 | 4 | 7 |
Atlético Madrid battling to finish in LaLiga’s top three
It’s not been a vintage season for Atlético Madrid, at least by their recent standards, and at least in LaLiga. Los Colchoneros haven’t finished outside of the top three since Diego Simeone’s first season in charge, which was actually only half a season in charge in 2011/12. But there’s a real chance it’ll happen this term…unless, perhaps, they can make up the six-point gap to Barcelona. A win today would be a huge help.
T | MP | W | D | L | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 61 | 28 | 18 | 7 | 3 |
4 | 56 | 29 | 16 | 8 | 5 |
5 | 55 | 28 | 17 | 4 | 7 |
6 | 46 | 29 | 12 | 10 | 7 |
7 | 42 | 28 | 10 | 12 | 6 |
What time does Atlético Madrid against Barcelona kick off?
The game in Madrid gets underway at 9:00 p.m. local time, which is 4:00 p.m. ET and 1:00 p.m. PT.
Ever fancied having lunch with Antoine Griezmann, Diego Simeone or Robert Lewandowski? Here’s your chance!
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Hello and welcome to live text coverage of Atlético Madrid - Barcelona!
Hello and welcome to AS USA’s live text coverage of Atlético Madrid’s clash against Barcelona at the Metropolitano. Can the hosts secure a place in the Champions League next season after reaching this year’s quarter-finals? Do Barça have any hope of fighting for the league title? We’ll come a little closer to finding out in a few hours’ time.
I’m Roddy and thanks for joining me, this should be a cracker (he says, cursing it)!.