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La Liga week 23 preview: FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid 

The second and third most successful clubs in La Liga history battled it out on February 6 as FC Barcelona host defending league champions Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou. Their domestic focus is now solely on league play after both squads were eliminated in the round of 16 of Copa del Rey. 

Xavi’s Blaugrana are looking to get even on Diego Simeone’s Colchoneros. The latter registered a 2-0 win at El Wanda in their first meeting on October 3, one of the last matches that had Ronald Koeman managing the former before his eventual dismissal. 

Overview 

With both teams on the top five, the pair are not just looking for all three points but a chance to qualify in next season’s UEFA Champions League as well. Since their first meeting, Barcelona have been on a roll, the five-point gap after their week eight fixture reduced to just a point. A win by the home side would knock the visitors off the top four. 

Stats 

Barcelona enjoy a dominating all-time head-to-head record over Atlético. In 216 matchups in all competitions, the former won 95 of those, 26 more than the latter. Out of 169 league matches, Barça have won 75 times as opposed to the 52 of Atleti, the rest ending in a stalemate. 

However, recent momentum is in the Madrid-based side’s favor, enjoying a four-match unbeaten run that began in the 2019-20 season. Their 1-0 victory in round ten of the 2020-21 campaign ended Barcelona’s 20-match unbeaten streak against them at La Liga. 

Recent form (last five matches) 

FC Barcelona  

defeated Deportivo Alavés, 1-0 

lost to Athletic Bilbao, 2-3 (at extra time) 

lost to Real Madrid, 2-3 (at extra time) 

drew with Granada, 1-1 

defeated Linares, 2-1 

Atlético Madrid 

defeated Valencia, 3-2 

lost to Real Sociedad, 0-2 

lost to Athletic Bilbao, 1-2 

drew with Villarreal, 2-2 

defeated Rayo Majadahonda, 5-0 

Predictions 

Although both camps have virtually the same form in all competitions, Barcelona have the advantage when it comes to league performance. Xavi’s men are currently the second-hottest team at La Liga with no losses in their last six matches. Meanwhile, Atleti have strung up a three-match run of their own to snap their four-match losing skid. 

Tips 

Barcelona to win 

Over 1.5 goals