Prediction: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: BetUS

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid prepare to battle for La Liga supremacy on Saturday evening, with both teams tied on 38 points at the league’s summit. A win for either side would ensure they finish the year atop the standings.

Currently ahead on goal difference, Barcelona occupy first place but face a daunting challenge against a red-hot Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side enters the clash in scintillating form, riding the momentum of an impressive 11-game winning streak across all competitions. With Atletico also boasting a game in hand, this top-of-the-table clash carries immense implications for the title race.

Barcelona

Barcelona’s season has been a tale of two halves so far. They boast a strong record of 12 wins, two draws, and four losses in La Liga, putting them at the top of the table on goal difference. However, their form has dipped alarmingly in recent weeks, with just one win in their last six league matches and three losses in that stretch.

Their latest setback came in a shocking 1-0 defeat to Leganes at home, compounding their struggles at their temporary ground after also losing to Las Palmas there. Despite their La Liga stumbles, Barcelona are well-positioned in the Champions League, sitting second in the group behind Liverpool, capping a generally successful first half of the campaign.

However, another loss on Saturday could prove costly, potentially dropping them to third place behind Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid heading into 2025. It would mark a significant setback, especially given their strong early-season form.

Historically, Barcelona have dominated this fixture at home, with Atletico Madrid failing to win a league match at Camp Nou since February 2006. Additionally, the Catalans are on a five-game winning streak against Simeone’s side, including a narrow 1-0 victory in this fixture last season. This history may give Barcelona confidence as they aim to reverse their recent fortunes in this high-stakes encounter, but it won’t be easy this time.

Team News

Barcelona will be without Lamine Yamal, sidelined with an ankle injury, with the 17-year-old sensation expected to return early next year.

Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati have slim chances of rejoining the squad, while Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain long-term absentees.

Ronald Araujo, having recovered from a hamstring injury that required surgery, is fit again but likely to start on the bench Saturday night.

Fermin Lopez may replace Yamal, with Dani Olmo shifting to a wide position. Pau Cubarsi will return to the centre of defence, while Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are expected to remain on the bench.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have struggled against Barcelona in recent years, failing to score a league goal against them since February 2022 and last securing a top-flight win in October 2021.

However, Diego Simeone’s side enters the match in superb form, having won their last 11 games across all competitions, including six consecutive league victories over Las Palmas, Mallorca, Alaves, Real Valladolid, Sevilla, and Getafe.

Alexander Sorloth’s late winner against Getafe lifted Atletico to second in the table, level on points with Barcelona but with a game in hand.

Defensively solid, Atletico have conceded just 11 goals this season, the joint-best record alongside Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann, Sorloth, and Julian Alvarez have combined for 19 league goals in the 2024/25 campaign.

While their last La Liga title came in 2020/21, the Rojiblancos have firmly established themselves as contenders this term, and a victory on Saturday would reinforce their credentials.

Team News

Thomas Lemar’s recovery means Simeone has a fully fit squad, with no new concerns reported ahead of this weekend’s match.

The Atletico boss is likely to make just one alteration to the lineup from the Getafe game, with Conor Gallagher expected to return in a wide position, relegating Samuel Lino to the bench.

Despite his decisive goal against Getafe, Sorloth is again anticipated to start as a substitute, with Griezmann and Alvarez continuing as the preferred front two. Meanwhile, Koke is likely to remain out of the starting XI.

Conclusion

This is a tough match to predict, as either a home or an away win on Saturday would not be surprising. However, both managers might see a draw as a satisfactory outcome. With a closely contested game likely, the points could well be shared, potentially allowing Real Madrid to end the year atop the division.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: BetUS