Barcelona travel to Atlético Madrid for a decisive La Liga Matchday 30 clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday, April 4. The fixture is the first of three high-stakes clashes between the two sides, with the pair scheduled to meet in a two-legged UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final post this clash in La Liga.
While Atlético find themselves off the pace in the title-race, the clash carries significant weight for Barcelona as they look to build on the lead they've established at the top of the table.
Barcelona entered the international break sitting comfortably at the top of the league with 73 points, four clear of Real Madrid, while Atlético find themselves in fourth on 57, chasing both Champions League security and a potential move into the top three.
Hansi Flick's side will enter the game in top form, having stitched together a five-match league winning run, since conceding a late winner on Feb. 17 against Girona.
Atlético have struggled to convert draws into wins this season but have been formidable at home with 13 wins in 15 matches. Diego Simeone's side have already dismantled Barcelona 4-0 at the Metropolitano in the Copa del Rey semi-final this season. However, The Blaugrana bounced back in the return-leg, almost pulling off a stunning remontada, winning 3-0 but getting knocked out of the cup 4-3 on aggregate.
The earlier league meeting between the two sides in the league, saw Barcelona emerge 3-1 winners at the Camp Nou on December 3.
Barcelona are set for a timely defensive boost with Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde and Eric García all expected to return to the squad. However, Raphinha remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Frenkie de Jong is being managed and is unlikely to be risked from the start. Andreas Christensen continues his recovery from a long-term ACL injury.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, are without Marcos Llorente, Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios in midfield, while Jan Oblak, Marc Pubill, Rodrigo Mendoza and Alexander Sorloth are regarded as doubts.
Match Start Time, Venue
The Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona match is scheduled to be played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, from 12:30 a.m. Indian Standard Time on Sunday.
Head-To-Head
Out of a total of 250 clashes between these two sides across competitions, FC Barcelona has won 114, while Atlético de Madrid have come away with 80 victories, with 57 games ending in draws.
Predicted Lineups
- Atlético Madrid: Musso; Molina, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Baena, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann
- Barcelona: J Garcia; Araujo, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, F Lopez, Rashford; Lewandowski
How To Watch Live Telecast?
The match will not be broadcasted live in India.
How To Watch Live Streaming?
Fans in India can watch the live streaming of the Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid match on the FanCode app and website.
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