Duel between post World Cup leaders

Spotify Camp Nou is the venue for a high-profile clash this Sunday between the two most in-form teams in La Liga, Barça and Atlético Madrid. The Catalans are eleven points clear the top of the table, but Atlético have also been performing outstandingly, but most especially since football resumed after the World Cup.

Post World Cup leaders

Much of the success of the sides coached by Xavi Hernández and Cholo Simeone comes down to their amazing records in defence. Barça have the best defensive stats in Europe's top five leagues this season, and Atlético are ranked third.

But there's more to it than that. If the league had started after Qatar 2022 had ended, the two sides would be joint top of the table with almost identical records. They have both won 11 games, drawn three and lost just one, 36 points out of a possible 45, massively more than the 27 points that would put Real Madrid third.

Euro kings

So this is a huge occasion, and Spotify Camp Nou is ready to live up to it, with a live performance from The Tyets. Just the tonic to get fans in the mood for a clash between two of the most in-form teams in Europe.

Atlético have won their last six games. The only side in Europe¡s 'big five' leagues that can boast a similar 100 per cent record is Manchester City.

Griezmann on fire

Another of the big attractions in the 4.15hpm CEST kick-off is the presence of former Barça man Antoine Griezmann, now back with the mattress-makers and enjoying some of the best form of his career.

The Frenchman has scored five goals in his last eight games, and is the player who has earned the most Liga points directly from his goals in the whole competition. His 11 goals and 8 assists have won 18 of Atlético's points this season.