Barcelona Clash with Atletico Madrid: Battle Preview, Bold Predictions & Starting XI Revealed

Atlético Madrid has the opportunity to draw level on points with Barcelona at La Liga's summit when they visit the table-toppers at the Spotify Camp Nou this Tuesday evening.

Following his team's fourth consecutive La Liga triumph on Saturday, Hansi Flick appeared dejected in the Barcelona technical area after the final whistle, with the German tactician still worried about his squad's performance standards compared to the previous campaign.

His squad, nevertheless, maintained their position at the league's peak following their 3–1 triumph against Deportivo Aláves, helped by Real Madrid's continued point-dropping, this occasion coming during their visit to the faltering Girona.

The weaknesses displayed by the division's two powerhouses might provide an opportunity for a confident Atlético to capitalize. Their convincing 2–0 victory against Real Oviedo marked their seventh consecutive triumph across all tournaments and they now sit merely three points behind Barcelona at the top.

Although Diego Simeone's team has traditionally found this matchup challenging, they've enjoyed greater success recently. Los Rojiblancos secured victory in Catalonia during the previous season and established a 2–0 advantage in the return encounter, before suffering a dramatic late collapse and ultimately falling 4–2.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this crucial La Liga encounter.

What Time Does Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid Kick-Off?

Barcelona vs.Atlético Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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How to Watch Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid on TV

Barcelona Team News

The Camp Nou erupted with excitement at the sixty-minute mark during Saturday's win, as Pedri returned from his injury layoff as a substitute, taking Raphinha's place. The Brazilian featured in his first match for the team since September, and provided the assist for Dani Olmo's opening goal.

Pedri is expected to return to the starting eleven on Tuesday, though it remains uncertain whether he'll be paired with Frenkie de Jong, who was withdrawn late in the match against Aláves.

Ronald Araújo has been given time off by the club, meaning he'll be absent, and we're likely to see Gerard Martín partnering Pau Cubarsí in central defense this week.

Marc-André ter Stegen is moving closer to full fitness, but he won't replace current first-choice keeper Joan García upon his return. Barcelona are also missing Gavi and Fermín López.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): García; Kounde, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Atlético Madrid Team News

The away team will probably be missing Marcos Llorente due to a hamstring problem, while center-back Robin Le Normand continues his absence with a knee complaint.

Diego Simeone has adjusted his starting formation in recent matches but maintained a 4-4-2 setup. He'll probably choose a contrasting strike partnership for Tuesday's clash. Julian Álvarez should certainly return to Simeone's starting lineup alongside Alexander Sørloth.

The veteran José Maria Giménez scored the decisive goal against Inter last week, though he only came on as a substitute at the weekend. The Uruguayan defender should start in Catalonia, while Simeone is also expected to include his son, Giuliano, on the right flank.

Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Giménez, Lenglet, Hancko; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Álvarez, Sørloth

Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid Score Prediction

Barcelona have secured four consecutive La Liga victories, yet Flick recognizes that all isn't perfect within his squad. Despite the successful streak and the return to Camp Nou, morale isn't particularly high in Catalonia currently and Flick will be cautious of the danger Simeone's Atlético presents.

The visiting team excels in counter-attacking situations and definitely possesses the capability to exploit Barcelona's high defensive line. Nevertheless, the return of Flick's favored central midfield pairing should provide the home side with greater possession than they've enjoyed in recent fixtures.

Even with this advantage, we might witness an open encounter on Tuesday. Atlético no longer represents the defensive fortress of old and Raphinha's injury recovery is significant for Barcelona's attacking options. It's difficult to imagine the home team shutting out their opponents completely, however.

This match could develop into an exciting, goal-filled encounter with both teams sharing the points.

Prediction: Barcelona 2–2 Atlético Madrid