This Sunday, at 9:00 PM, Atlético de Madrid and Barça face off in the match corresponding to the 27th round of LaLiga EA Sports. The match will be played at the Metropolitano stadium, and we will see how the fans respond after what happened midweek in their Champions League match. It can be followed on DAZN channels and minute by minute on our social media @carpetasblaugranas
The referee who will officiate this match will be Ricardo De Burgos Bengoechea, joined in the VAR by Iglesias Villanueva. He has officiated 30 times for the culés, with a more than positive balance, 24 wins, 1 draw, and only 5 losses. He has refereed Atlético 33 times, with also favorable results: 23 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses.
How Atlético Arrives
The Champions League dealt a new blow to the 'colchoneros' and it has been one of the most painful, as they were eliminated by their neighbor, Real Madrid. This elimination was even more painful because of how it happened, a penalty annulled for Julián Álvarez due to a double touch. In recent days, there has been quite a bit of controversy, to the point that UEFA has come out to corroborate the VAR's correctness.
The Argentine coach commented in a press conference that everyone has a feeling of "anger, rage, and injustice". Regarding the squad and whether they are tired, he explained that he has given an extra day of rest and that this will help them for the match. Regarding the importance of the duel, he believes that their chances of winning the League depend on beating Barça.
The line-up that 'Cholo' might present could change compared to the one that beat Madrid in the Champions League. Sorloth could come in for a Griezmann who is far from his best level. The other changes could be at left-back and in the pivot, as Reinildo and De Paul ended up injured on Wednesday.
How Barça Arrives
Meanwhile, the blaugrana team has had a calmer and more rested week than their rival, partly thanks to their work. On Tuesday, they eliminated Benfica in a comfortable match, resolving the tie in the first half and controlling the second. Additionally, it should be noted that the team they face has more minutes in their legs, as they played extra time and on top of that, a day later.
The German coach doesn't believe that this match can decide the championship, as there is still a lot of league left, but the victory will give them more confidence. Regarding how to manage the break, he highlights that it is not easy but that it will also give them time for other players to rest. Finally, he believes that the Atlético block is wonderful and that they are in shape, so they must be very focused to get it done.
Flick has not given any hints about the XI, although it seems that it could be very similar to the one that beat Benfica 3-1. One of the positions that could vary is the attacking midfielder, where Gavi could make a place for himself. Who will return is Cubarsí, who after serving the suspension in the Champions League, will again form a pair with Íñigo in the center of the defense.
Match Keys
Mental Factor: psychological strength is very important in the world of soccer, to the point that performance depends on it. The 'setback' suffered by the Atléticos seems to have damaged the morale of the squad, something that could be transferred to the match against Barça. We have to see how they have recovered, as the blaugrana team is showing that they no longer have a glass jaw.
Substitutions from the Bench: in the Copa del Rey match, Cholo Simeone's changes revolutionized the team and allowed them to come back. In contrast, Flick was not as successful, and his team suffered in the final minutes against the rojiblanco attacks. The coach who gets the substitutions right can turn the match around and take 'the cat to the water'.
Sorloth Again: the Norwegian forward is very likely to start against one of his favorite victims. The former Villarreal player has scored two decisive goals in the last matches, and he has done so in the final minutes. To this, we must add his teammate, Julián Álvarez, who has awakened and become the great Atlético figure.
A Lot of League at Stake: although the German coach, Hans Flick, has not wanted to give it too much importance, this duel can define several things. If Atleti loses, they would move away from Madrid and Barça by several points, without any more direct duels. In contrast, if they win, they would be back in the title race, placing themselves as second.
