FC Barcelona looks to end 2024 as league leaders with a win over Atlético Madrid, a side determined to remain at the top. This highly anticipated clash is undoubtedly the match of the round, and Pedri acknowledges the challenge posed by Diego Simeone’s team.

"They have world-class players up front who can change a match in an instant. We need to come out with intensity, clear on what we have to do to dominate the game—that’s our focus," the Barça midfielder told beIN SPORTS.

Atlético’s Determination to Stay at the Top

Tied at 38 points with Barça, Atlético knows this isn’t just about 90 minutes or having a game in hand—it’s about seizing every opportunity.

"In a match like this, everyone wants to win. It doesn’t matter whether you’re ahead or behind in the standings or have a game less played. When a match against a rival like Atlético comes, both teams are fighting for the three points," Pedri added.

Lamine Yamal's Absence

One of Barça’s key players, Lamine Yamal, will miss the match due to a Grade 1 ligament injury in his right ankle. Pedri acknowledged his teammate's importance.

"Lamine gives us that ‘one-on-one’ edge and opens the field significantly. He’s spectacular, taking on defenders and creating space. It’s vital for him to recover properly so he doesn’t face issues with that ankle in the future. We want him back as soon as possible, but in top condition," Pedri emphasized ahead of this pivotal match.

A Battle for LaLiga’s Summit

Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will face off at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys in a crucial encounter for LaLiga EA Sports supremacy. Both teams are tied at the top of the table with 38 points but are experiencing contrasting forms.

Atlético, under Simeone’s guidance, is in its best form of the season, boasting 11 consecutive wins across all competitions and with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Barça has struggled recently, with only three wins in its last eight matches and just one victory in six LaLiga games.

Key Players and Strategies

Barcelona will lean heavily on the firepower of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, LaLiga’s leading scorers with 16 and 11 goals, respectively. However, to regain their dominance, the Blaugrana must recover their intensity and pressing coordination to avoid being punished by Atlético’s counterattacks.

Hansi Flick’s side has struggled more against lesser opponents—such as losses to UD Las Palmas (1-2) and Leganés (0-1)—than against top-tier teams, as evidenced by victories over Real Madrid (0-4), Bayern Munich (4-1), and Borussia Dortmund (2-3).

Atlético’s Momentum

Simeone’s Atlético is a force to reckon with, boasting a streak of 11 wins, including six in LaLiga. They’ve kept clean sheets in four of those matches, with Jan Oblak anchoring their defense.

While Simeone has yet to win an away match against Barcelona, this could be his best chance, as Atlético has cut a ten-point gap in just six matches. With their defensive focus sharpened since a 3-0 loss to Real Betis in late October—their last defeat—Atlético enters this clash in formidable form.

Both teams are set for a showdown that could define the trajectory of the LaLiga title race.