WHO: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
Contents: Spain Lariga
Location: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
When: Sunday at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
Follow the Al Jazeera Sport’s live text and photo commentary stream.
Atletico Madrid doesn’t have much time left at the exit of the painful Champions League with Real Madrid.
Another important game awaits on Sunday. This time they will face Barcelona in a tough battle for the Spanish League title.
Al Jazeera is looking forward to one of the biggest games on the Spanish football calendar.
How are Atletico Madrid and Barcelona carried in Lariga?
Atletico is behind Barcelona in second place and behind leader Madrid in a three-way battle for the trophy.
Real played two games than Barca and one or more than Atletico.
So, Diego Simeone’s team can hardly afford to lose on Sunday, but they will soon have to overcome another unbearable defeat to their fierce Crosstown rivals in the Champions League on Wednesday.
What happened in Atletico’s Champions League Madrid Derby?
Atletico lost to Real in a penalty shootout after Julian Alvarez’s spot kick was allowed for a double touch. Only video reviews found the first contact when Alvarez’s support foot slipped and gently tweaked the ball before impacting it with the other foot and sending it online.
“To be honest, it’s not easy to get over the way we lost this tie. We can’t lie to ourselves,” Simeone said after the match.
Where will you win Sunday’s match?
Simeone acknowledged that Barcelona could have a physical and emotional advantage after a day of rest after Barcelona reached the Champions League quarterfinals after a victory over Benfica on Tuesday.
“We’re facing a great rival on Sunday. I think the Barcelona players wanted our game to reach the penalty as much as possible,” Simeone said. “We fight hard with a tie that demands that we give everything, then we get tired and bumped into and beaten, but we throw everything we leave behind,” in Barcelona.
🤩 Our Last Lariga Game vs FC Barcelona pic.twitter.com/ztlaccn3bl’s wonderful memories
– Atletico de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 15, 2025
How have your rivalry been panned out recently?
Atletico has confused Barcelona twice this season. Alexander Sorlos’ late goal took a 2-1 victory for Barcelona in the league and a 4-4 draw in the opening leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
However, Barcelona have been undefeated in 17 straight games in all competitions since their defeat to Atletico in late December.
Atletico will also host Barcelona next month, deciding on the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
What are your views on the Barcelona match?
Flick warned the Barcelona star who needs to focus on avoiding collapse with Atletico Madrid at the two previous meetings this season.
“We really did have two great games. Of course we need to focus from start to finish,” Flick told reporters on Saturday.
“In the first match, at the end of the match, we weren’t as focused as we could. [the same] First and last, we must be careful about it.
“When you make a mistake, Atletico can hurt you. This is something we have to protect.”
There are no holidays
– FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) March 15, 2025
How does flick solve Olmogavi’s headaches?
Dani Ormo appears to be ahead of Gavi in Barca’s offensive midfield spot order.
Gavi and Barca defender Alejandro Barde were not included in the Spanish squad to face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Nations League next week, but Barca’s coaches welcomed both players.
“[Gavi] I came from a major injury, and he’s 20, and for now I don’t think he’s the first one. [choice] …It’s a more difficult situation, but he’s doing well,” Frick said.
“At this point, our midfield is doing really good things. I’m happy he’s here and I think he’s been playing for years and years for this great club and will be one of the superstars here.
“He can improve a lot. He does this. His attitude is incredibly good. He’s really focused and makes him really happy that he’s here.
“I think he’ll be there and play 100% at the 2026 World Cup.”
Happy Gabi. pic.twitter.com/eh0tos7uhi
– Laliga English (@laligaen) March 14, 2025
Flick added that Balde is the “best person” in the world, and praised Inigo Martinez’s veteran center, who was called to Spain by coach Luis de La Fuente of the national team.
“He’s incredibly good for every team due to his attitude and mentality,” Frick said.
Atletico Madrid Form Guide:
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Barcelona Form Guide:
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Atletico Madrid Team News
Angel Correa is suspended for the match after his red card in a 2-1 defeat to Getafe last weekend.
Cork is questioning the knock, but Rodrigo de Paul is planning to miss it.
Barcelona team news
Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen are long-term absentees with knee injuries, while Andreas Christensen is back in training with the team.
Possible starting lineup for Atletico Madrid:
Jan Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Jose Maria Gimenez, Clement Lenglet, Reinildo; Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo de Paul, Pablo Barrios, Conor Gallagher. Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez
Barcelona’s possible starting lineup:
Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Caunde, Ronald Araujo, Poe Cubarsi, Alejandro Barde. Frenkie de Jong, Pedri. Ramin Yamal, Dani Ormo, Rafina. Robert Lewandowski
