Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona - Tips & Preview - The Catalonians Hope To Keep The Pressure On Girona

Barcelona had a shaky start to the 2023-24 La Liga season and were unable to string along results to make an impact in the league table. However, in recent weeks, they have redeemed themselves in a bid to give a decent sendoff to manager Xavi Hernandez, who has confirmed he will leave the club in the summer. Currently, the Catalonians are placed third, one point behind unexpected title contenders Girona, and eight points adrift of league leaders and bitter rivals Real Madrid. 

A win on Sunday could see Xavi’s men jump into second place if Girona, currently struggling with form, happen to drop points as they travel to Getafe on Saturday. Either way, this is a must-win game for Barcelona as they hope to finish the season strong. They are unbeaten in the last seven games in the La Liga, with five wins and two frustrating draws against Granada and Athletic Club. 

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have had a poor season and head into this clash with just two wins from their last five games (2W, 2L, 1D). Diego Simeone has been unable to raise his side to be title contenders this season. They are placed fourth in the La Liga table, 14 points adrift of Real Madrid and six points behind their next opponents in third place.

There are no takers for an Atletico Madrid victory in this tie on Sunday, despite the home side having Alvaro Morata, who is one of the top scorers in the league this season with 14 goals so far. All the money will be on Barcelona, who also have a goal machine in Robert Lewandowski (12 goals) to nab all three points on the road. 

Recent meetings between these two clubs haven’t gone in the home side’s favour, with Barcelona winning four of the five meetings. Another worrisome stat for Simeone’s side is that they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last six games. All the stats point towards a victory for the Catalonians.