Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, the two teams in the best form in LaLiga 2025-26, face off this Tuesday at the Spotify Camp Nou in a match brought forward due to the Spanish Super Cup. Barça, the new sole leader, host a surging Atlético side that has put together six consecutive victories.

A match that could define Barcelona’s season

For the azulgrana, this clash could set the direction of their entire campaign. Hansi Flick’s team is coming off defeats in their three biggest tests of the year (PSG, Real Madrid, and Chelsea), and this duel against Atlético is crucial to measure their true solidity.

Despite doubts about their play and numerous injuries, Barça have turned the Camp Nou into a fortress:

• 7 matches, 7 wins
• 23 goals scored
• 4 conceded

The big news is the return of Pedri González, a key piece of the team. Flick is expected to field a recognizable starting XI despite the absence of Fermín López. Raphinha arrives in top form after shining with two assists against Alavés.

Atlético de Madrid: from crisis to title contention in three weeks

Diego Simeone’s team arrives in unstoppable mode. They have gone from being eight points off the top to having it within reach this very Tuesday. Their momentum is spectacular:

• 11 wins in their last 13 matches
• 29 out of 33 possible points in LaLiga
• Six straight league wins
• Best current streak in the competition

Additionally, Atlético have improved as visitors thanks to recent clean-sheet wins over Betis (0-2) and Getafe (0-1).

Barcelona’s doubts and expected lineup

Barça recover Pedri and hope to have Eric García available, though he remains doubtful due to a nose knock. Araujo, Fermín, and Gavi are still out.

Key players for Flick:

• Pedri – the team’s brain
• Raphinha – total difference-maker
• Joan García – security between the posts

Simeone’s expected lineup to storm the Camp Nou

Simeone arrives with almost his full first-choice XI. Only Marcos Llorente is missing. Jan Oblak is available again, and a strong lineup is expected:

• Giménez and Hancko in defense
• Giuliano Simeone and Nico González on the wings
• Koke, Pablo Barrios, and Álex Baena in midfield
• Julián Álvarez as the attacking reference

The big question is the system:

— He could go with Clément Lenglet at the back or bet on Alexander Sorloth, the “Barça killer,” who has scored in his last five meetings against the azulgrana.

— Antoine Griezmann could also come in, always a special presence when visiting Barcelona.

A historically explosive matchup

Meetings between Barça and Atlético are synonymous with spectacle:

• Barça’s 2-4 win in Madrid last season
• Atlético’s 1-2 win at Montjuïc, with Sorloth scoring in stoppage time
• The unforgettable 4-4 Copa del Rey draw: from 0-2 down to 4-2 up, ending in a final equalizer