- Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid will take place on Sunday at 2300EAT.
- Athletico are third on the log on 31 points.
- Barcelona are fourth behind them on same points but inferior goal difference.
Although it is not as fiery as the El Classico, the FC Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid matches has always delivered.
Once again, football fans should expect a hotly contested game when the two Spanish powerhouses lock horns this Sunday, December 3 in a top of the table clash.
The two clubs currently occupy the third and fourth positions in the La Liga table with 31 points each although FC Barcelona are behind with an inferior goal difference despite playing a game more.
Both sides go into the match on the back of huge wins against their European opponents in the UEFA Champions League which guarantee both teams a place in the next round.
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The Catalans secured a 2-1 win over Porto with the Portuguese duo of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo getting the goals in either halves.
On the other hand, the Las Colchoneras walloped Dutch side Feyenoord 3-1 in Rotterdam, two own goals from Santiago Gimenez and Lutsharel Geertruida plus a Mario Hermoso strike was enough to see the Diego Simeone coached side advance with one game left.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming encounter.
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What time does Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid start?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 11PM Kenyan time on Sunday at the Estadip Olimpico.
Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid Team News
Barcelona have been hit hard by injuries this season which has made it difficult for manager Xavi Hernandez to play his preferred first eleven with the latest casualty being Gavi who is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is also a doubt going into the game. The German shot stopper injured his back during the recent international break and has so far missed two matches.
Should the experienced goalkeeper be unable to start by Sunday, Inaki Pena will have to stand between the sticks one more time.
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The return of Frenkie De Jong, who suffered a nasty injury in mid-September during the Catalans 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo, and Pedri is expected to give FC Barcelona a boost.
On the other hand, Atletico could be without only two players in Vitolo (Knee) and French forward Thomas Lemar (Achilles).
Possible Starting Lineups
FC Barcelona: Pena, Balde, Kounde, Araujo, Cancelo, Gundogan, Pedri, De Jong, Felix, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Atlético Madrid: Oblak, Hermoso, Witsel, Gimenez, Molina, Riquelme, Koke, De Paul, Llorente, Griezmann, Morata
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Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid head-to-head
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have faced each other 18 times in different competitions since 2016 with the former registering 8 wins. Six of the remaining matches ended in a draw.
The hosts have won three consecutive games in their five consecutive meetings with Atletico Madrid only managing a single victory.
Atletico’s last victory against the reigning La Liga champions came on October 2, 2021 when they secured a 2 – 0 home win.
FC Barcelona: 8
Draws: 6
Atletico Madrid: 4
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Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid Current Form
FC Barcelona: WLWDW
Atletico Madrid: LWWWW
Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid Prediction
This encounter is a tricky one since both clubs have amassed the same number of points this season and are playing beautiful football.
Barcelona have won three of their last meetings against the visitors and they are likely to extend their unbeaten streak because of the home advantage. One player who is expected to hurt Atletico is their old boy Felix, who is starting to rediscover his goal scoring form.
However, the Las Colchoneras tend to approach big matches with caution especially since Simeone took charge of the club in 2011. Therefore, you should expect an entertaining match with a few goals.
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