Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

This year's La Liga is a cracking three-horse race, much to the delight of football fans worldwide. As Barcelona, Atletico, and Real Madrid lay claim to the Spanish throne, we might get a clearer picture after Sunday's blockbuster game at the Metropolitano.

For Atleti, it's a question of how quickly they can recover from the UCL heartbreak against Real Madrid. They lost to city rivals on penalties after a dodgy VAR decision to cancel Julian Alvarez's goal. That's now three disappointing matches in a row for Los Rojiblancos.

On the other hand, Barca is flying high at the moment. The Blaugrana are top of the La Liga with a game in hand, having secured a place in Europe's top 8 against Benfica in midweek. The Catalans are in the 6-win run in the Spanish top-flight, too, and the current bookie favourite to win it (1.62 at Playbet).

Atletico Licking European Wounds

It was another European heartache from the hands of their bitter rivals, but what better way to heal the wounds than a derby win that would propel Atletico above Barca on points?

The home form for Los Rojiblancos hasn't been all that spectacular. Likewise, the shock 2:1 defeat against Getafe sandwiched in between the Real clashes leaves Los Rojiblancos with three bad results in a row.

Still, Atletico showed time and again that they can strike back against any opponent. Barcelona just happens to stand in their way, both in the league and Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Atletico Injury & Suspension News

There are no new major injury concerns in the Atleti camp, with only Lenglet in doubt. Angel Correa was red-carded against Getafe and is suspended for Sunday. On the flip side, César Azpilicueta featured in the last game, and Koke is back in training.

Barca in the Bliss Land

It seems that everything is falling into place for Hansi Flick's side. They are playing some fantastic, expansive football and getting results every which way. The UCL matchup against Benfica was played with 10 men for the majority of the first leg, but Barca won convincingly in the end (4:1 on aggregate).

The Blaugrana are on the treble run and Atletico is on their hit list both in the league and the Spanish Cup. The first game of Copa del Rey semi-finals ended 4:4, and we can expect another high-scoring game here.

Barcelona Injury & Suspension News

No new injuries for the Blaugrana, either. The long-term absentee in Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expertly being replaced by Wojciech Szczęsny between the posts. Andreas Christensen remains sidelined with a right calf injury.

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction

The last time these two met it ended in a 4:4 Copa del Rey thriller at Camp Now. The games at Metropolitano have always been more conservative, but I believe that neither team will hold back on the night. I noticed both teams scoring listed at 1.51 at Ybets, and I'm inclined to pull that trigger.

Also, those BC. GAME's odds of 1.79 for Barca to open the scoreline look great.

CryptoGamba tip: both teams to score – 1.51 @Ybets