PREVIEW: FC Barcelona v Atlético Madrid

After a fortnight with no games due to international fixtures, FC Barcelona are back in action on Sunday with a massive fixture against Atlético Madrid at the Camp Nou (4.15pm CET).

The visitors are currently fourth in the league with 46 points, and Barça are just one point behind them in sixth. So this game presents a golden opportunity for the blaugrana to move up into the Champions League places.

After January featured six games in three different competitions that were all played on the road, this will be Barça’s first appearance of 2022 in their own stadium, and with Covid-19 restrictions lifted, it means they can do so in front of a full house of supporters.

A lot has changed since Barça beat Elche 3-2 on December 18, the last time the Camp Nou opened its doors. While some players have departed, others have arrived. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could make his debut, while Ferran Torres has yet to do so in the stadium. Meanwhile, Dani Alves and Adama Traoré will be looking forward to the chance to perform in front of the Camp Nou faithful once again.

Also returning is Luis Suárez, but playing for the opposition. This won’t be his first appearance at Camp Nou since his departure, but it will be the first with fans in the terraces. Fitness permitting, Antoine Griezmann will also be on a homecoming for the first time since returning to his former club.

Atlético are hoping to put a woeful December, when they lost all four games, behind them. But they are coming to a place where Diego Simeone is still looking for his first league win. The challenge is anything but a simple one for Barça either. They didn’t manage to score a goal in their last three meetings with the mattress-makers.

Last five meetings

9/1/20 (SUPER CUP IN JEDDAH) Barça 2 (Messi, Griezmann) Atlético 3
30/6/20 (LIGA) Barça 2 (OG, Messi) Atlético 2
21/11/20 (LIGA) Atlético 1 Barça 0
8/5/21 (LIGA) Barça 0 Atlético 0
2/10/21 (LIGA) Atlético 2 Barça 0

Team news

New signings Adama and Aubameyang have both been included in the squad, while the game also sees the return from suspension of Gavi, while Ousmane Dembélé is also back in the squad

But injuries continue to plague Xavi's plans. Memphis, Ansu Fati, Clement Lenglet, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Eric Garcia all miss out due to fitness issues.

What they're saying

Here are Frenkie de Jong and Martin Braithwaite with their views before the game:

As for coach Xavi Hernández, the standout quotes from his press conference included the following:

“Atlético aren’t at their best right now but this is a huge test for us.”

"I don’t think the fans would understand it if Barça were to play the Atlético way. It’s not our idea. We could never stick eleven men in our area. It’s legal and Atlético have done that, but not us. But I’m not criticising Simeone at all, I admire him very much as a coach.”

“Luis Suárez deserves applause. Together with Eto’o he’s out best centre forward of the last 25-30 years. He deserves full honours.”

“Abde and Jutglà are two good options but there’s competition for places and if they’re not getting games, they’ll go to the reserves.”

“I’m conciliatory regarding Dembélé. If there’s no solution, we must find one. He has a contract and he can certainly help the team. He’s take a very professional attitude.”

“Aubameyang will be a big help. He has speed, scores goals, creates pressure. We’ll be a bigger threat with him in the team”

“I’m sorry that Alves can’t play in Europe and it was a difficult decision. It was because of his position, and I haven’t been fair on him.”

Did you know?

Barça have not lost at home to Atlético in La Liga since 2006, when Frank Rijkaard was in charge, fifteen seasons ago.

If Gerard Piqué plays, it will be his 593rd game for Barça, tying him with Carles Puyol in the all-time ranking!

Atlético have not won any of their last four away fixtures in La Liga.

Barça and Atlético are the two teams that have scored the most goals from crosses into the area this season, with nine each.

Antoine Griezmann faced FC Barcelona eleven times in his previous spell at Atlético and never scored one, although he did get a couple back in his Real Sociedad days.

Xavi’s playing record against Atlético was 14 wins, 9 draws and 9 defeats, and he scored one goal in the 2007/08 season under Frank Rijkaard. His last ever game against them was a 1-0 win at the Vicente Calderón that secured the Liga title in 2015.