Barcelona will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of La Liga when they travel to face Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano. Hansi Flick’s side currently lead the league by just one point and will be eager to secure a positive result against a strong Atletico team.
Team News:
Barcelona will be without Marc Bernal and first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who remain sidelined due to long-term knee injuries. Their absence means Wojciech Szczesny is set to continue in goal for the Catalan giants.
There is a boost for Barcelona, as Andreas Christensen is now available for selection. However, Flick faces a tough decision in central defense, with Inigo Martinez potentially the player to miss out.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is expected to be given the nod ahead of Marc Casado, while Dani Olmo could be preferred over Gavi in the attacking midfield role. The front three is likely to remain unchanged, with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski continuing their strong form in attack.
Barcelona have the best away record in La Liga this season, securing 30 points from 14 matches on the road. They have also been in impressive form, winning their last six league matches. However, they have failed to defeat Atletico in two previous meetings this season, including a 2-1 loss in the reverse fixture.
Possible Starting Lineup
Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
