The Metropolitano is preparing to host a duel at the top this Saturday evening during the 30th day of La Liga (9:00 p.m.). Atlético de Madrid (4th) and FC Barcelona (leader) meet once again this season for a duel which promises to be explosive. After having already faced each other three times – in the league and in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey – the two Spanish giants will face each other again three times in just ten days. Between the return match in Madrid this Saturday and the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The previous confrontations have already offered their share of tension, suspense and spectacle, with a Madrid victory in the first leg of the Cup followed by a Barcelona reaction on the return (synonymous with elimination). On the Madrid side, Diego Simeone intends to pursue his main objective: to compete with Barça and Real Madrid at the top of the table. However, Atlético will have to deal with several important absences, notably Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente and Pablo Barrios. Despite these hard blows, the objective remains clear in the Spanish capital. We will have to win at all costs to start this series of confrontations against Hansi Flick’s men. Furthermore, the Argentine coach will have to deal with Robin Le Normand and David Hancko behind, as well as Matteo Rugerri and Nahuel Molina on the corridors. Koke and Alex Baena would position themselves to support the attack.
Giuliano Simeone as well as Frenchman Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman could form a trio behind Julian Alvarez up front. Alexander Sorloth will remain available to return. In Catalonia, some adjustments could be made. Still deprived of Frenkie de Jong in the midfield and now of Raphinha, injured in the biceps femoris and unavailable for around five weeks, FC Barcelona must review its plans. The coach – Hansi Flick – could entrust the left lane to Marcus Rashford, even if Dani Olmo remains a credible alternative. Just like the two players, Christensen is out. On the other hand, the returns of Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde provide defensive solutions on the sides, even if they should start on the bench after their injury. In the cage, Joan Garcia would take her place. Behind, Ronald Araújo could be aligned on the right alongside Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and João Cancelo on the opposite side, despite the fatigue linked to his return to selection. In midfield, Hansi Flick could count on the duo Marc Bernal – Pedri, because this seems to be the best option to bring dynamism. Lamine Yamal and Fermín Lopez could support the attack. Finally, Ferran Torres would be preferred to Robert Lewandowski. Indeed, the Valencian was chosen in the eleven during the two semi-finals of the Copa del Rey against the Colchoneros, although the Pole was absent on the return to the Spotify Camp Nou.
