Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players

Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in La Liga’s top-of-the-table clash at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening.

Barcelona climbed to the summit with a 3-1 victory over Alaves on Saturday, overtaking Real Madrid, who could only secure a 1-1 draw at Girona.

Atleti compounded the woes of bottom-placed Real Oviedo, beating them 2-0, extending their winning streak to seven games in all competitions.

Match preview

Barcelona can open a four-point gap at the top of the standings with a win.

They have fared better in the league recently, thanks in part to the return of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo from injuries.

Barcelona are the league’s top-scoring side (39 goals) and only the third team with a flawless home record this term. However, their defensive lapses remain a concern.

Atleti are La Liga’s most in-form team, having won their last six games, and a victory would put them on par with Barcelona’s points tally.

They rank third in goals scored (27), but boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded 11 times, five fewer than Barcelona.

Although they have not been excellent on the road, collecting nine points from just six games, they would still fancy their chances against the hosts.

Barcelona are the favourites, and their attacking prowess could help them maintain their unbeaten home form.

Head-to-head

There have been 246 meetings between them; Barcelona have 112 wins, Atleti have 77, while 57 have ended in draws.

Team news

For Barcelona, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned to team training, while Gavi and Fermin Lopez are ruled out. Ronaldo Araujo is also doubtful.

Atleti are without Marcos Llorente, and Robin Le Normand is also unlikely to be involved in this clash.

Key players

Barcelona

Lamine Yamal: Has scored or assisted in each of his last four league games.

Pedri: The brilliant midfielder returned from injury against Alaves and is in contention to start this fixture.

Atleti

Julian Alvarez: Leads the squad for most league goals (seven) and goal involvements (nine).

Giuliano Simeone: Ranks second in the squad for most goal involvements (six).

Stats from transfermarkt.com, who scored.com & sofascore.com