Can Atletico get back into the title race?

The “Colchoneros” have recently suffered a serious setback in the race for the Spanish championship. In the away game against Getafe, they gave up a late lead and thus dropped back to third place. In the game Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona, in which the odds see the guests in the role of favorites, Diego Simeone’s team have everything to play for.

If the Catalans take the three points, they would be four points ahead of the capital city team with a game in hand. They would then have to bow out of the championship race for better or for worse.

But the team of “cult coach” Simeone has a few aces up its sleeve. For one thing, the game is taking place at the Metropolitano, where the “Colchoneros” have not lost a game this season. On the other hand, the Madrilenians can rely on their fabulous defense. In 27 games, the team currently in third place has conceded just 18 goals – a top performance. Against the best offense in La Liga, the challenger’s defense will play a key role if they want to pull off an upset against Atletico Madrid against Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid – Statistics & current form

The fact that Diego Simeone’s team is a team that never gives up was demonstrated two weeks ago. In the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, the capital city team took an early two-goal lead against FC Barcelona, but then completely lost control of the game and were as good as eliminated with six minutes left on the clock when the score was 2-4. But thanks to the fighting spirit instilled in the players by “El Loco”, they managed to equalize with two goals in the final stages and create a good starting position for the second leg.

The fact that the capital city team can more than just keep up with the Catalans has been demonstrated not only in this game. Simeone’s team also shone in the first league clash in December, winning 2-1 at the Estadi Olimpic. The fans are obviously hoping that their team can repeat this feat in Sunday’s Atletico Madrid v Barcelona game, despite the high odds offered by the bookmakers.

Under Pressure

The “Colchoneros” would also need such a success. Due to the avoidable defeat against Getafe, they are under a lot of pressure in the title race. The late collapse was extremely unusual for Diego Simeone’s team, who are actually known for scoring last-minute goals. City rivals Real Madrid took advantage of this and, with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, moved past the new third-placed team and are now the first pursuer of the Catalans. If they do not manage to get at least a point against the leaders, the dream of the championship title would be as good as over.

For the hosts, it is therefore a real final for the championship title with ten rounds to go, which is why it can be assumed that the “Colchoneros” will approach the game highly motivated.

With ten rounds remaining, it is therefore a real final for the hosts for the league title, which is why it can be assumed that the “Colchoneros” will be highly motivated. With their own fans behind them, anything is possible for the “Rojiblancos”, who are still unbeaten at home. Therefore, the tip for the home team could be worthwhile for Atletico Madrid vs.

However, to pull off the big surprise, Atletico’s strong defense will have to perform at its best against the league’s best attack. But since the capital city team has already proven this season how rock-solid their defense can be when it matters, it can be assumed that the Catalans will also struggle against it. A bet on under 3.5 goals therefore seems attractive.

Barcelona – statistics & current form

Just like this week’s opponent, the Catalans did not score last weekend either. However, this is because their game against Osasuna was postponed after the sudden death of team doctor Carles Miñarro Garcia. During the week, the team was able to play a game again and celebrated an emotional victory. In the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, Hansi Flick’s team made light work of Benfica, winning 3-1. They are now one of the favorites to win the Champions League.

Unstoppable

The Catalans are also doing phenomenally well in the league. Before the game Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona, in which the betting odds see the guests as the favorites, “Blaugrana” is at the top of the table even with one game less than the competition. The team of the German manager has also not been beaten in seven games, six of which have been won. The last defeat on December 21 was inflicted on Barca by Atletico, of all teams. So if there is one team that can stop the Catalans, it is the one from the capital.

Atletico Madrid – Barcelona Direct comparison / H2H record

In direct comparison, the Catalans are ahead. Of 233 duels, the Barcelona team has won 100, while the capital city team has only won 53. Most recently, however, the Madrilenians have gone two games unbeaten against Hansi Flick’s team.

Atletico Madrid – Barcelona betting tip

In the game between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, the betting providers’ forecasts clearly show the guests as the favorites. As the reigning league leaders, who have won the last six league games, this makes sense. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that the Madrilenians are still unbeaten at home and are the last team to have defeated the Catalans. The odds for a home win therefore seem a bit too high, which is why a bet on a home win could be worthwhile.

Another factor that should not be underestimated in this encounter is that Diego Simeone’s team has by far the best defense in the league. It is therefore to be expected that even the outstanding attack of the Catalans will work up a sweat in this encounter and that there will be rather few goals. It is therefore worth betting on less than 3.5 goals or even on “both score – no” for Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona.