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Diego Simeone's red-hot Atleti are one of the most in-form teams in Europe, enjoying an 11-game winning streak across all competitions with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo De Paul firing on all cylinders.

Atleti is just two victories away from equalling its all-time longest winning run, achieved under its Argentine coach between August and October 2012 (13 games).

The current run – which includes six league wins on the spin – has seen Los Colchoneros pull level with Barca at the top of the table, with both teams amassing 38 points but Simeone's men possessing a game in hand.

While Atletico has won all its games since late October, Barca has stumbled in the last few weeks, seeing what was a nine-point lead completely eroded by its visitor.

Barca suffered a 1-0 defeat by lowly Leganes last week, its third loss in its last six league games (one win, two draws), as many as they suffered in their previous 29 (24 wins, two draws).

The Blaugrana may argue it has been unfortunate at times, having hit the woodwork 18 times this season in all competitions – the joint-most among all teams from Europe's top five leagues alongside Manchester City. In Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, Barca is the only such team to have multiple players strike the frame of the goal five times already this campaign.

However, the hard luck stories must end for Hansi Flick's side in its final game before the mid-season break, as a defeat could see it slip all the way to third in the table by the end of the matchday.

Barca will have to find a way past Atleti without talisman Lamine Yamal, who will be out for at least three more weeks with the ankle injury he sustained against Leganes.

Barcelona has struggled without its teenage winger, only winning one of three games he missed with a separate injury last month. Atleti might feel his absence gives it a golden opportunity.