Barcelona remain top of LaLiga after 14 matches, despite some inconsistency compared to last season. Hansi Flick’s side has recorded 11 wins this season in the league, including victories in their last four league games. The team bounced back from a Champions League defeat to Chelsea with a 3-1 home win over Deportivo Alaves.
The club, in anticipation of the encounter, posted photos of their players preparing for the game against Atlético Madrid via their official X account.
They posted:
The Catalans conceded within 43 seconds, their fastest goal conceded in LaLiga in two years, before Lamine Yamal levelled the score, with Dani Olmo adding a brace to seal the win and extend Barcelona’s unbeaten run against Alaves to 16 matches.
Softfootball understands that with Real Madrid dropping points against Girona, Barcelona have a chance to extend their lead against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Team News
Barcelona will be without goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and midfielder Gavi, while Fermin Lopez also misses out with a calf issue. Ronald Araujo, who missed the Alaves match due to illness, is unlikely to recover in time. Eric Garcia is expected to be available after being forced off at halftime on Saturday, and Frenkie de Jong returns following a personal absence. Jules Kounde and Pedri are also likely to feature.
Atletico Madrid will be missing Marcos Llorente for a third straight match due to a thigh injury, while Robin Le Normand continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in the Champions League. Simeone may recall Jose Maria Gimenez, Matteo Ruggeri, Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, and Giuliano Simeone.
Koke is expected back in midfield, with Julian Alvarez likely starting ahead of Sorloth despite the Norwegian’s brace on Saturday.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona: Garcia; Kounde, Eric, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Cardoso; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Alvarez
Softfootball’s Prediction
Barcelona will look to capitalise on home advantage, but Atletico are in fine form, unbeaten in their last six league matches. Considering both sides’ attacking firepower and Atletico’s defensive solidity, Softfootball predicts a tight contest.
prediction: Barcelona 3-2 Atlético Madrid
