La Liga: Atletico Madrid collide with Barcelona in a tantalising showdown
La Liga has made for compelling viewing over the past few weeks. Real Madrid are the early pacesetters, but it is nip and tuck at the top. Of the games this weekend, one stands out, which sees Atletico Madrid lock horns with Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. We will check in on the latest match odds for this huge game.
Atletico Madrid stunned by Alaves after fine start
Atletico Madrid have become the hunted this season as they are the reigning La Liga champions. Diego Simeone’s men have sometimes flattered to deceive and failed to get out of gear three but have still managed to produce results. However, they were stunned by Alaves last weekend on the road.
A fourth-minute goal by Victor Laguardia gave the home side a priceless three points, but Atletico succumbed to their first defeat of the campaign. Although Atletico went in a desperate search for an equaliser, they were denied. Atletico occupies the fourth spot in Spain’s top-flight division, three points behind table-toppers Real Madrid.
Diego Simeone continues to persist with goal-shy Antoine Griezmann
One surprising aspect of this aspect has been Antoine Griezmann’s homecoming. The Frenchman re-signed from Barcelona last summer, but things have fallen flat. In his first four games, Griezmann hasn’t had a shot on target, supplied no assists, and yet to find the back of the net. Surely, things must turn for him soon!
Atletico Madrid using four captains this season
Atletico Madrid’s title-winning season boasted plenty of experience. In this campaign, they will have four captains to dispense instructions on the pitch and provide extra support as they tackle the dual demands of La Liga and Champions League football. The four named captains are Koke, Jan Oblak, Jose Maria Gimenez, and Stefan Savic.
Luis Suarez out to prove point against his former employers
After a decorated spell at Barcelona, Luis Suarez will want to show his former employers on Saturday evening what they are missing. The Uruguayan — who has netted three times in La Liga this campaign — is a constant menace, and he could be a thorn at the side of the Catalan giants. If Barca can handle him, they will fancy leaving Madrid with a win.
Barcelona climbing the table after recent dip
It is quite hard not to find a story about Barcelona where they appear to lurch from one crisis to another. Last summer saw a clear-out of players, including the departures of Griezmann and Lionel Messi, with the latter joining French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain. But after an early wobble, Barca have regrouped, and they have managed to steady the ship.
Back-to-back draws against Granada and Cadiz were followed up last weekend with a rousing 3-0 win over Levante. A Memphis Depay penalty and strikes by Luuk de Jong and Fati Vieira helped Barca to a comfortable victory, and they are now up to sixth in the table.
Ronald Koeman appears to be hanging by a thread, and recent reports have suggested he is heading for a messy divorce with Barca. However, the victory over Levante will have been a morale booster, and perhaps it could buy Koeman a few more weeks at the Nou Camp.
Atletico Madrid v Barcelona: A look back on past encounters
At this stage of the season, it is still difficult to make too many cast-iron predictions. However, matches between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have often been seismic clashes, and the stakes are usually high. And judging by the head-to-head record, Atletico have enjoyed the better of things on the pitch.
Last season, Barcelona were held to a goalless draw at the Nou Camp by Atletico. But Simeone’s men squeezed a 1-0 win at the Wanda Metropolitano with a Yannick Carrasco goal on the stroke of half-time separating the two sides. Atletico may have to soak up some pressure, but they will back themselves to return to winning ways.
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