What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
When: Sunday 26th February, 2012, at 20:30 UK time
Where: Vicente Calderon, Madrid, Spain
Now for Barcelona
Atletico Madrid’s Europa League dream took a step further on Thursday night as the team eventually edged out Italian side Lazio, booking a meeting with Besiktas in the following round. The Mattress Makers have been steadily improving under new coach Diego Simeone, and their upcoming match against Barcelona will be an interesting litmus test as to how much the Argentinean has changed the side.
Simeone was full of praise as his team secured a 4-1 aggregate win over Lazio. “The response [of my side] was very good. I think it was the most important aspect of the game. We responded as a group and as a team today and that always enhances the individuality of the team."
The Atletico coach then turned his attention to the Barcelona game: “I have an idea of the game, but first I want to see how the players are. I have not yet decided on any names, but it is certainly a game that we will face with strength and excitement”.
Making only a brief appearance against Lazio, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao will undoubtedly be reinstated against the league champions. On the other hand Tiago, who has been a constant fixture under Simeone, might sit this one out.
Refuse to Concede
Any suggestion of a continued bad run for Barcelona were put to bed as the team managed impressive comprehensive wins over both Bayer Leverkusen and Valencia in the Champions League and La Liga respectively, after being defeated by Osasuna some two weeks ago. Now, the reigning champions need more of the same against Atletico Madrid.
Despite a considerable gap between them and leaders Real Madrid, the Blaugrana will still see this competition out and be ready should their eternal rivals fail at any moment, according to midfield dynamo Andres Iniesta. “We will fight until the end. This is our only goal: to compete and collect three points every week to be ready in case of a Madrid slip-up.”
To do that Barcelona must keep winning and Iniesta is not underestimating Atletico. “"We will visit Atletico now and we know this will be a hard match because they are a good team and have been growing after the arrival of Diego Simeone, but we hope we can continue collecting points."
Atletico have been imperious this new year, and under Simeone, have proven to be a tough nut to crack. Barcelona however certainly possess the skill to inflict damage upon their opponents.
Recent form
Atletico Madrid:
Lazio 1-3 Atletico Madrid (16/02; Europa League)
Sporting Gijon 1-1 Atletico Madrid (19/02; La Liga)
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Lazio (23/02; Europa League)
Barcelona:
Osasuna 3-2 Barcelona (11/02; La Liga)
Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Barcelona (14/02; Champions League)
Barcelona 5-1 Valencia (19/02; La Liga)
Key absences
Atletico Madrid: Tiago (doubt); Antonio Lopez; Diego
Barcelona: Andreu Fontas; David Villa; Ibrahim Afellay
Players to watch
Atletico Madrid – Radamel Falcao: The ex-FC Porto man will surely be the main man as his side attempt to get out of this one alive at the Vicente Calderon. He is able to find a way through the Barcelona defence and come up with the odd goal – a real threat to Josep Guardiola’s men.
Barcelona – Lionel Messi: Messi put on a display to remember against Valencia in what turned out to be his 200th league match for Barcelona, scoring four goals in the process with the latest being a cheeky lob over a helpless Diego Alves. Atletico have been warned.
Match Prediction
Simeone has Atletico producing much improved performances, but facing a Barcelona side determined not to slip further behind Real Madrid will be a tough task. The Blaugrana will just not throw in the towel. Atletico Madrid 1-3 Barcelona.
Can Barcelona keep the pressure on Real Madrid by winning this La Liga clash? Where will your money go? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
