Hansi Flick’s Barcelona began the season in very good kind however Atletico Madrid have wrestled their method into the title race and the 2 sides meet on Saturday bidding to steer La Liga at Christmas.
Each have 38 factors and though Barcelona have performed one additional match they lead the desk on objective distinction, with champions Actual Madrid third, some extent behind and nonetheless firmly within the combat due to the Catalans’ latest stoop.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico have gained 11 consecutive matches throughout all competitions and wish so as to add yet another victory on the Olympic stadium to say high spot.
The Rojiblancos made a number of summer time signings, together with Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez in assault, and their deep squad began off as an issue however is changing into a optimistic.
Simeone frequently needed to depart star names on the bench as he rotated and it took the squad some time to return to phrases with it.
Nonetheless now Atletico frequently have been in a position to win matches due to the influence of their substitutes and the coach stated it’s their best energy.
“Earlier than the (win over Getafe final weekend) I spoke with the gamers about thanking and recognising those that weren’t going to begin the sport,” stated Simeone.
“There are essential gamers who’re competing in a rare method, and you’ll inform that once they come into the crew.
“That’s our energy, to compete in the way in which we would like, we want everybody to be as concerned as they (at the moment) are — it is our largest energy.”
Former Barcelona duo Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet are in very good kind for the guests.
As Atletico’s fortunes have modified for the higher, Barcelona’s season has hit a shock stoop.
The Catalans, who misplaced 1-0 at house in opposition to Leganes final weekend, have gained simply considered one of their final six league video games, with three of these ending in defeat.
Flick’s intense urgent recreation appears to be taking a toll on the crew, who now not seem as sharp as they did at first of the season.
“I believe we began the sport half-asleep,” admitted midfielder Pedri after that defeat.
The German coach has confirmed reluctant to rotate his key gamers, additionally contributing to the crew’s lack of freshness.
– ‘Full focus’ –
Barcelona’s terrific begin to the season, together with thumping victories over Actual Madrid in La Liga and Bayern Munich within the Champions League might have contributed to the crew shedding deal with a psychological stage.
They began the marketing campaign extensively anticipated to be clinging to Madrid’s coat-tails however shortly discovered their ft beneath Flick and with reward lavished upon them, the image shortly modified.
Groups have additionally began to work on methods to bypass the excessive defensive position, with midfield runners from deep capitalising in methods Madrid and Bayern couldn’t.
“I’ve instructed the crew that all the pieces relies on us, on whether or not we play with full focus,” stated Flick, who’s finishing a touchline suspension in opposition to Atletico.
“As is regular, all groups search for our weaknesses and can combat to take advantage of them.”
Barcelona may also be with out key winger Lamine Yamal, with the 17-year-old sidelined till January with an ankle damage.
Madrid have responded properly to their 4-0 Clasico thrashing by Barcelona to remain within the title race, with Kylian Mbappe match once more after a quick damage lay-off.
The French ahead scored as Madrid beat Pachuca to win the Intercontinental Cup in midweek. They face Sevilla on Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect is also high throughout the winter break with a victory, ought to Barcelona and Atletico share the spoils the day earlier than.
Participant to observe: Eduardo Camavinga
Actual Madrid’s French midfielder is again from damage and anticipated to begin in opposition to Sevilla, as he bids to lastly maintain down a spot in Los Blancos’ midfield. Usually a rotation possibility for Ancelotti, with Aurelien Tchouameni now put in at centre-back alongside Antonio Rudiger, Camavinga has the prospect to take the reins for good in Madrid’s engine room.
Fixtures
Friday (all occasions GMT)
Girona v Valladolid (2000)
Saturday
Getafe v Mallorca (1300), Celta Vigo v Actual Sociedad (1515), Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao (1730), Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (2000)
Sunday
Valencia v Alaves (1300), Actual Madrid v Sevilla (1515), Las Palmas v Espanyol, Leganes v Villarreal (each 1730), Actual Betis v Rayo Vallecano (2000)
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