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On Sunday evening, La Liga’s top two teams face off in Madrid. Barcelona lead the table with 30 points, but Atlético are just two points behind, meaning this top-of-the-table clash could even decide who tops the standings. The Catalans are in sensational attacking form, while Simeone’s side have won seven league matches in a row. Atlético Madrid–Barcelona preview.
Atlético Madrid have started the season with nine wins, one draw, and one defeat. The Rojiblancos most recently beat Levante 2–0, and before that defeated Real Madrid 2–1. In midweek Champions League action, however, Bayern Munich won 2–0 at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Barcelona’s attacking play has been nothing short of frightening: Hansi Flick’s side have scored 46 goals in 11 league matches, averaging more than four goals per game. The Catalans most recently thrashed Alavés 6–1, then beat Aston Villa 3–0 in the Champions League.
In their recent league meetings, Barcelona have consistently had the upper hand, and the Catalans have been unbeaten away at Atlético in La Liga since October 2021.
Atlético Madrid–Barcelona: injuries and absences
For the hosts, Cristian Romero and Johnny Cardoso are both ruled out through injury, while Morten Hjulmand could return. Diego Simeone is expected to rely on the pace of Julián Álvarez and Kang-in Lee in attack.
For Barcelona, Dani Olmo, Roony Bardghji, and Xavi Espart are unavailable, while Rodri picked up an injury in midweek Champions League action. The availability of Jules Koundé, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen is also in doubt, leaving Flick with a selection headache in defense.
Atlético Madrid–Barcelona Betting Tips
Based on current form, it’s difficult to single out a clear favorite. Barcelona’s attack stands out from the rest of the league, yet Atlético are a notoriously tough opponent at home, capable of exploiting the Catalans’ high defensive line on the counter.
We feel that both Barcelona’s attacking strength and Atlético’s quick transitions could contribute to a high-scoring match. The Catalans’ 46 goals in 11 league games is a strong argument on its own, and several key players may be missing from the visitors’ defense.
One statistical model from a major international forecasting site gives close to a 70% chance of at least three goals, but the bookmakers have already factored this in, so there’s little value left in the standard Over 2.5 option.
As an alternative, we’d also consider the Both Teams to Score market. Atlético’s attack could be capable of exploiting Barcelona’s defensive issues, while it’s hard to imagine Flick’s side failing to score over 90 minutes.
In the end, we’ve gone with a combined tip for this match, expecting 3 goals, goals at both ends, and at least two away goals.
The odds were taken from Boabet.
Atlético Madrid–Barcelona: Sunday, November 8, 21:00, Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
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