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One of the most anticipated matches of the LaLiga season sees Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid at the newly opened Camp Nou on December 2nd. This advanced Matchday 19 fixture will see Hansi Flick and Diego Simeone lead their teams into battle to assert themselves at the top of the league.
Barcelona have been swapping the top spot with Real Madrid over the season and had a morale-boosting win against Alaves on Saturday after their loss against Chelsea in the Champions League last Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid head into this match on a seven-game win streak in all competitions. They were the first team this season to beat Inter Milan in the Champions League - done in dramatic style - before they beat Oviedo on Saturday.
There are three points between the two ahead of this fixture, and they could end Tuesday night level, making the battle for the title even more exciting.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid key information
• Date: Tuesday, December 2nd
• Kick-off time: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
• TV channels: Premier Sports 1 (UK)
• Odds: FCB (4/5) - DRAW (16/5) - ATM (14/5)
Barcelona team news
The Catalonians are set to be without several key names for their clash with Atleti. A returning Pedri against Alaves was juxtaposed with the loss of Frenkie de Jong, who was missing for personal reasons. It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will return for Tuesday's clash. Some confirmed absentees, however, are Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona made the worst start against Alaves, conceding in the opening minute before rallying and eventually winning 3-1. In that match, Raphinha made his first start since returning from injury and registered an assist too, showing his importance to the side. The Spotify Camp Nou is at reduced capacity at the moment, but the fans will be buoyant for this big tie against a title rival.
Barcelona predicted line-up v Atletico Madrid
Coach: Hansi Flick
Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Casado, Pedri, Olmo; Raphinia, Lewandowski, Yamal.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico Madrid are on a great run of form and hope to keep that going against Barça. They will have to go into this game still without the services of Marcos Llorente and Robin Le Normand, who are both out injured.
Both the injury concerns for Atleti are in defence, but up front, they are not missing a beat. Julian Alvarez is the fourth top scorer in LaLiga this season, scoring seven goals so far this season. Yet when he doesn’t score, he can rely on other members of his team to step up, as Alexander Sorloth did against Ovideo on the weekend, netting two in a man-of-the-match performance.
Atletico Madrid line-up v Barcelona
Coach: Diego Simeone
Oblak; Ruggeri, Hancko, Gimenez, Molina; Koke, Cardoso, Barrios, Simeone; Griezmann, Alvarez.
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
In the UK, this match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will be shown live on Premier Sports. To watch it, you will need a subscription to Premier Sports, which can be streamed through your TV or on the website.
Head-to-head record
One of the most frequently played games in LaLiga history, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have been facing off in the league since 1929. 176 league matches later, we find ourselves at this tie, where recent history favours the team from Catalunya.
Barça have only lost one of the last nine H2Hs with Atleti, however, that loss came in this corresponding fixture last season with a stoppage-time winner from Sorloth. In total, there were four meetings between the two last season, in which Barcelona won two and drew one after they lost the first duel.
Atletico are the most in-form team in the league, with Barça having the third-best record over the last five games. Atleti have only conceded once in their last six league games, and up against the best attack in the league, they will need all the defensive acumen they have.
In all competitions, this match has been played 248 times, with Barcelona winning 112 compared to Atleti’s 79. This will be one of the most evenly contested between the two and is set to be a big one.
Odds for Barcelona v Atletico Madrid
Barcelona are the favourites to win this game, coming in at 4/5 at bet365. Atletico Madrid are at 14/5 with a draw at 16/5.
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.