Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a heavyweight Copa del Rey showdown on Tuesday night, Barcelona will welcome Atletico Madrid to Catalonia for their first-leg meeting.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might have entered Spain’s festive break in the midst of a minor blip, Hansi Flick’s side have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Leading the chase at the top of the La Liga standings, the former Bayern Munich boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Last seen over the weekend collecting a deserved 2-0 victory away at Las Palmas, the Spanish icons are riding a major wave of momentum. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure earlier in the month as they stormed their way to a 5-0 romp against Valencia, Barcelona have won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 13-1, Tuesday’s hosts have rightfully received plenty of plaudits. It should also be highlighted, Flick’s camp are unbeaten in all of their last 13 showdowns across all competitions – a run that stems back to December 21st.
Barcelona Team News
Sustaining a long-term knee injury back in September, German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will not feature over the remainder of the season. Likewise, not making a single appearance against La Liga opposition since the start of November, Ansu Fati could once again miss out on Flick’s squad.
Both coming off the bench and finding the net away at Las Palmas last weekend, the duo of Dani Olmo and ex-Manchester City star Ferran Torres will be hoping for a full recall. Leading the chase for Spain’s Golden Boot this season, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line on Tuesday night.
Atletico Madrid
As for the visitors, although Atletico might have been frustrated earlier in the month as they had to settle for consecutive 1-1 stalemates against Celta Vigo and arch-rivals Real Madrid, Diego Simeone’s men are enjoying their own extended flurry. Making a welcomed return to winning ways last weekend as they claimed a thumping 3-0 victory away at Valencia, Tuesday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 24 appearances across all competitions. With that sensational purple patch stemming all the way back to October 27th, Atletico find themselves at the heart of a La Liga title scrap. Currently sat just one-point adrift of finding a route to the top of the table, Simeone’s men will be relishing a trip to Catalonia in midweek. It should also be highlighted, Los Colchoneros secured a stunning 2-1 win when they travelled to Catalonia for a La Liga showdown on December 21st.
Atletico Madrid Team News
While Pablo Barrios might have missed out away at Valencia over the weekend after serving a La Liga suspension, the 21-year-old will return to Atletico’s squad on Tuesday night. However, dealing with a recent muscle issue, veteran midfielder Koke is not expected to feature in Catalonia.
Bagging a stellar La Liga brace against Los Ches on Saturday evening, former Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. England international Conor Gallagher will be hoping to make a first start since January 25th.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Atletico Madrid last met back on December 21st, Los Colchoneros collected a 2-1 victory in Catalonia.
- Atletico Madrid have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 24 appearances across all competitions.
- Barcelona have won all of their last five showdowns across all formats by an aggregate score of 13-1.
- Atletico have recorded just a sole clean sheet from their previous four away fixtures.
- Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski has recorded 20 La Liga goals so far this season.
Conclusion
Claiming what was an iconic 2-1 victory when they travelled to Catalonia for a La Liga showdown on December 21st, Atletico Madrid will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. However, meeting a Barcelona squad that have won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 13-1, we could be treated to an enjoyable Copa del Rey battle on Tuesday night. With Barca seeing four of their last six battles in Catalonia finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome in midweek.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
