A Defining Match at the Metropolitano

With 11 matchdays remaining and no room for mistakes, the first "final" for LaLiga takes center stage at the Metropolitano. Barcelona, the league leader, faces Atlético de Madrid, currently third, in a potentially decisive clash. 

Barcelona arrives in dominant form, winning its last six league matches and securing 19 of 21 points in the second half of the season. The team has not lost in LaLiga or any competition since the 2-1 defeat against Diego Simeone's squad in the first half of the season, a game decided by an Alexander Sørloth goal.

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid is recovering from its dramatic Champions League Round of 16 elimination against Real Madrid, where controversy surrounded the disallowed penalty for Julián Álvarez. Just 93 hours after that intense and exhausting battle, Atlético faces another crucial challenge in LaLiga. Its recent struggles are evident, securing just 12 of 24 points in the second half of the season, most recently losing 2-1 to Getafe.

No Room for Mistakes

Last weekend’s defeat has left Atlético in a precarious situation. No one in Simeone's camp is calling it a must-win game, but the reality is clear: Barcelona sits just one point ahead with a game in hand. A draw or victory is essential for the home side. A loss would be devastating.

While Atlético de Madrid enters the match emotionally and physically drained from its Champions League exit, Hansi Flick's squad arrives with full confidence after a commanding 3-1 win over Benfica, securing a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Led by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Barcelona dominated the first half against Benfica, effectively sealing qualification before halftime. The second half was about conserving energy for the showdown against Atlético, the last team to defeat them.

The last Barcelona loss dates back to December 21 at Montjuïc, their final match of 2024. That day, despite Pedri orchestrating play, the Catalan team failed to capitalize on its chances, allowing Atlético to turn the game around with an injury-time counterattack finished by Alexander Sørloth (2-1).

Since then, Barcelona has remained unbeaten, with 14 wins and 3 draws, solidifying its spot at the top of LaLiga, despite playing one game less due to the postponed match against Osasuna following the passing of club doctor Carles Miñarro.

A Key Tactical Battle

Sunday’s game is the first of two upcoming encounters between these teams at the Metropolitano. Barcelona will return on April 2 for the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg, following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg. At Montjuïc, the team struggled with late-game composure, surrendering a two-goal lead (4-2).

Flick is expected to make minimal changes to his starting lineup, with Pau Cubarsí returning to the defense after serving a suspension. Pedri will dictate the tempo in midfield, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha aim to make the difference in attack.

Atlético de Madrid remains unbeaten against Barcelona under Hansi Flick, winning 2-1 in LaLiga and drawing 4-4 in the Copa del Rey. The Madrid side has struggled against Barcelona's pressing but has exploited its high defensive line to create chances in transition.

Sunday’s match is expected to follow a similar pattern, with Barcelona maintaining its attacking philosophy despite past struggles. The Metropolitano, the only stadium in LaLiga without an away win this season (10 home wins, 4 draws), will be a decisive factor.

Probable Lineups

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Llorente or Molina, Giménez or Le Normand, Lenglet, Reinildo; Giuliano, De Paul or Llorente, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Julián Álvarez.

Barcelona: Szczęsny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Referee: De Burgos Bengoetxea (Basque Committee).
Stadium: Metropolitano.

• Standings: Atlético de Madrid (3rd, 56 points); Barcelona (1st, 57 points).
• Key Stat: Barcelona has won its last two visits to the Metropolitano (3-0, 1-0).
• Key Factor: Speed in attacking transitions.
• Quote: Hansi Flick: "If we beat Atlético, we will gain more confidence."
• Suspensions: Correa (Atlético).
• Injuries: Ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Christensen (Barcelona).
• Doubts: De Paul, Koke (Atlético).
• Bookings Warning: Julián Álvarez, Koke, Giménez (Atlético); Gavi (Barcelona).