Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Barcelona have won eight of the last ten meetings between these clubs. Atletico have just one win to their name in their last four fixtures.

Atletico Madrid Form

Diego Simeone’s side sits third in La Liga with a 13-point gap to Barcelona in first place. Their last 16 matches in all competitions have seen just eight wins. A 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Cup semi-final was followed by two wins. They could only draw 1-1 at Galatasaray in the Champions League.

A 3-0 home win over Mallorca in La Liga preceded a shock 2-1 home defeat in Europe to Bodo/Glimt despite a 27-11 shot count. They could only draw 0-0 at Levante before smashing Real Betis 5-0 away in the Copa del Rey. Atleti faced Betis again on Sunday and lost 1-0 at home in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso is out injured for this match. Pablo Barrios is also set to play no part in the engine room.

Diego Simeone made a triple change at half-time in the home defeat to Real Betis. Robin Le Normand is pushing to start in defence. Alex Baena and Alexander Sorloth could come into the XI in midfield and attack respectively.

Atletico Madrid Motivation

Atletico have a poor recent record against Barcelona. They will be motivated to win this first leg and try to make a cup final in Simeone’s final season at the club.

A compact, intense approach is expected. They are unlikely to have more than 40% possession, even at home.

Barcelona Form

Barcelona have won 17 of their last 18 matches. They’re a point clear of Real Madrid in the title race and they lifted the Spanish Super Cup by beating Real Madrid 3-2 in the final. A 2-0 Copa del Rey win at Racing Santander was followed by a shock 2-1 loss at ten-man Real Sociedad in La Liga.

A 4-2 win at Slavia Prague and a 4-1 home win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League came either side of 3-0 La Liga win over Real Oviedo. A 3-1 win at Elche made it four wins in a row before winning 2-1 at Albacete in the Cup. On Saturday, Hansi Flick’s side had 76% possession and 24 shots in a 3-0 home victory vs Mallorca. 

Barcelona Team News

Raphinha will need a late fitness test to determine if he is available after a groin injury. Pedro, Gavi and Andreas Christensen are all ruled out for this match.

Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo are set to start together in a 4-3-3 formation. Marcus Rashford is set to shake off a knee injury to play in this match.

Barcelona Motivation

Confidence is very high in the Barcelona camp. They will attack and look to dominate the match.

A first leg will be the target but a draw would be a decent result ahead of next month’s second leg.

Key Stats

• Atletico Madrid have lost 8 of their last 10 matches vs Barcelona
• Atletico Madrid have lost 3 of their last 5 home matches
• Barcelona have won 17 of their last 18 matches
• Barcelona have scored 12 goals in their last 4 matches vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict

Based on form and the head-to-head record, Barcelona should win this first leg.

Best Bet: Barcelona win at 2.10

Value Bet: Barcelona win and Both Teams to Score at 3.10