Overview
Atletico Madrid have just gone through an extremely unforgettable period. Last weekend, they were held to a 1-1 draw by a much weaker opponent, Espanyol.
This is also the third consecutive match in La Liga in which Los Rojiblancos have not known the taste of victory, in addition to 2 defeats against Getafe, Barcelona. Not to mention, coach Diego Simeone's team was also eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is still showing impressive form and has yet to taste failure in 2025. Hansi Flick's team is unbeaten in 20 consecutive matches with 17 wins and 3 draws, including a 4-4 draw against Atletico in the first leg.
Before the away trip to Metropolitano, Blaugrana also won 6 consecutive matches. Up to now, the Catalan club is still on the brink of victory (La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey).
Barcelona's attack is making all opponents afraid. In the previous 4 matches in Copa del Rey, Blaugrana scored 18 goals. Not to mention, they have scored 82 goals after 29 rounds in La Liga, an average of 2.82 goals/match.
In terms of head-to-head record, Barca also outperform Atletico with 6 wins, 1 draw and only 1 loss in the last 8 encounters. It is likely that Barcelona will continue to have a comeback.
Robert Lewandowski has scored 38 goals in all competitions this season and will be a notable player for Barcelona. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez is Atletico Madrid's top scorer with 23 goals in all competitions, including 6 goals in the last 8 matches. He has also scored in the last 2 matches against Barcelona.
Personnel situation
Atletico Madrid's only significant absentee is midfielder Koke, although Gallagher is expected to start in midfield. Meanwhile, Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann are likely to lead the attack.
On the other side of the front line, Barcelona will be without Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, Ter Stegen, Dani Olmo and Andreas Christensen due to injury. However, Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are expected to continue to start.
Expected lineup:
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta, Simeone, Gallagher, Barrios, Lino, Alvarez, Griezmann.
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde, Gavi, Pedri, Yamal, De Jong, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
The match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona takes place at 2:30 am on January 3 (Vietnam time).
