5 things you should know about Atlético v FC Barcelona

Sunday, 9pm CET, at the Metropolitano Stadium, Atlético Madrid host FC Barcelona in what could turn out to be a decisive encounter regarding the destination of the La Liga title this season. Diego Simeone's side are just a point behind Hansi Flick's team in the table and have played a game more, and the game in Madrid is a chance for the home side to get themselves back into the title race. 

An ambitious Atlético

Diego 'Cholo' Simeone's team took all three points in the first meeting between the teams earlier in the season. After 17 visits to Barcelona without a win, Alexander Sorloth's late goal gave los colochoneros a 2-1 win in the Estadi Olímpic. In the Metropolitano, Atlético will be aiming for a league double over Barça for the first time since the 2005/06 season. 

Clean sheets in recent encounters

The last four meetings between the clubs in the Metropolitano have seen both sides take two wins a piece. On each occasion the winning side has kept a clean sheet. Back in 2020/21, in front of a stadium devoid of fans due to the pandemic, Atlético won 1-0. The following season saw Simeone's team repeat the feat with a 2-0 win. 

However, the script has been changed in the last two campaigns. In 2022/23 Barça took a 1-0 win and last season the blaugranes romped to a 3-0 victory in Madrid. Atlético will be looking to avoid a third game without scoring against Barça for just the second time in their history at home. 

Madrid, friendly territory 

The capital has been a happy hunting ground for Barça in recent times. On their last three visits to Madrid, the blaugranes have picked up points, winning against Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid, and drawing at Getafe. If they can get points then the blaugranes will make it four games in the city without defeat, a run that has not been achieved since 2019 with Ernesto Valverde as coach. 

Gavi, decisive against Atlético 

The midfielder has a great record against Atlético as in five appearances against Simeone's team, he has scored once and created two assists, something Gavi has only achieved against one other side, Elche. 

14 games without defeat 

Atlético have gone 14 games without losing in La Liga. The last time los colchoneros were beaten in the Metropolitano was in the second to last game of last season when they went down 4-1 to Osasuna. Let's see if Barça can put an end to that run.