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FC Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid
In La Liga, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are nowhere near the table positions where these two top clubs are usually located. Barca already have 15 points less than arch-rivals Real Madrid and are unlikely to be in the title fight. For the Blaugrana, this season is all about securing a Champions League spot for the club. Coach Xavi’s team is currently in 5th place in the table. After the recent transfer offensive, Barcelona must deliver. Most recently, the Catalans won 1-0 in Alaves.
Atletico are one point ahead of Barcelona in the table. With 36 points, the Colchoneros are currently fourth in the table. The current season is also far from perfect for coach Diego Simeone’s team, which is why Atletico will probably no longer have a serious chance of defending the title. But just like their upcoming opponents, the Rojiblancos are on a good course towards stability. Atletico recently won 3:2 against Valencia, although the bats were leading 2:0.
With this strong and mental performance, Atletico will be all the more dangerous for the Catalans on Sunday. Whether the Colchoneros could manage a similar success at Camp Nou, you can read in our Barcelona – Atlético betting tip.
Barcelona – Atlético Info
– Date & Time: 06/02/2022, at 16:15.
– Venue: Barcelona, Camp Nou
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 23
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Barcelona form & balance check
Barcelona once again shone in the transfer market this winter. With Aubameyang, coach Xavi was presented with a strong solution for the centre-forward problem. In addition, homegrown Adama Traore returned to Catalonia from England. However, the Blaugrana were unable to end the drama surrounding Dembélé. In addition, Barcelona is still not in a Champions League place. Barca are currently in 5th place in the table and are already 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Nevertheless, things are looking up for the Catalans. Barca recently won 1-0 against Alaves.
Efficiency instead of spectacle
Under coach Xavi, Barcelona are expected to return to the familiar 4-3-3 system. Although this idea has always stood for offensive football, the Catalans have recently been able to collect their points through efficiency. In none of the last four games did they score more than two goals. Twice Barca played to a 1-1 draw. The other two games were won by the Blaugrana with 1:0. That Barcelona is more dependent on results rather than spectacle is shown by the average of goals scored. So far Barca score only 1.5 on average per game.
Barcelona facts & analysis
– Barcelona are 5th in the table with 35 points.
– Barca are unbeaten for four games.
– Barca’s last wins came by 1-0 scores.
Atlético form & balance check
Atlético recently fought their way back into the match against Valencia with a show of strength. The Rojiblancos were 2-0 down at the break. In the second half, the Madrilenians turned the game around and won 3:2, allowing the reigning champions to celebrate their second home victory in a row. Before that, the Colchoneros had already defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-0 at home. However, that home win was only followed by a 2-2 draw against Villarreal. Indeed, Atlético were in dire need of a home win over Rayo, as coach Diego Simeone’s side had previously lost four games in a row. However, Atlético’s recent success over Valencia allowed them to climb to 4th place in the table. The Rojiblancos will have to defend this position at least until the end of the season.
Defensive stability is lacking
Although Atlético are currently well on their way to establishing themselves within the top four, Atlético’s greatest strength stands out as their greatest weakness this season. In 21 games, the Rojiblancos have already conceded 26 goals. The Colchoneros have only scored six times. Compared to last season, Atlético is hardly recognisable defensively. In addition, the Madrilenians have never conceded a goal away from home this season. Atlético have only collected 15 of a possible 33 points away from home anyway.
Atlético facts & analysis
– Atlético are in 4th place in the table with 36 points.
– The Rojiblancos won the last match.
– In every away game so far, Atlético have conceded a goal.
Predicted line-up – last update on 4 February 2022
Last time Barcelona won with the well-tried 4-3-3 system against Alaves. Under coach Xavi, this playing system is to be internalised again. In terms of personnel, there are still question marks behind the new arrivals Aubameyang and Adama Traore, as they have not yet been given permission to play. In addition, Xavi will have to do without many players, such as Ansu Fati. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that the Blaugrana will make a system adjustment.
Diego Simeone has made one system adjustment. Atletico’s coach stands for defensive football and efficiency. Since his team had noticeable problems with his ideas during the season, Simeone recently switched to a 4-4-2 system. Atletico also have to do without important players like Griezmann at the moment
Barcelona – Atlético direct comparison & Statistics
Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have already met 176 times. In this duel, Barca earned the more positive record. The Blaugrana have won 77 matches, whereas the Colchoneros have only won 55. A further 44 meetings ended in a draw. The last time they met, Atlético won 2-0.
– Barcelona have been without a win against Atletico for 5 matches.
– Atletico have won 3 of their last 5 meetings.
– Barcelona last won against Atletico in 2019.
– Maximum 2 goals scored in each of their last 3 duels.
