After the international break, FC Barcelona are back in action. Today, they will host Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou. The Blaugrana are standing on the 5th at the point table. On the other side, Atletico Madrid are in 4th place, one point ahead of Barca. However, today’s match will be a great opportunity for the Xavi boys to enter the top four.
Recent forms & History
FC Barcelona suffered a lot at the beginning of the season. At that time, they were at the bottom of the points table. But, gradually, they got their form back and climbed up on the table. They are now at the 5th, just one point behind the Champions League places. Moreover, Barca haven’t lost a single match in their last five league games. They won three and have drawn the remaining two games.
On the other side, Atletico Madrid somehow lost their form in the middle of the season. They lost two and have drawn one in their previous five games in the La Liga. However, Atletico Madrid didn’t lose a match in their last three meetings against Barcelona. They also didn’t concede a goal in those matches.
Team News
The Blaugrana are ready to host their first home match in 2022. They have signed several players in the January transfer window. Some of them could debut today. Barca manager Xavi Hernandez included the new signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore in the 15 men squad. Moreover, Ousmane Dembele and Gavi have returned to the squad.
Barca have some injury concerns also. Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay, Sergi Roberto, and Eric Garcia will miss the match due to injuries. On the other side, former Barca players Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann will return today at Camp Nou for Atletico Madrid.
Xavi’s Thoughts
Barca manager Xavi has had a press conference ahead of today’s clash against Atletico Madrid. There he said,
Atlético aren’t at their best right now but this is a huge test for us. I don’t think the fans would understand it if Barça were to play the Atlético way. It’s not our idea. We could never stick eleven men in our area. It’s legal and Atlético have done that, but not us. But I’m not criticizing Simeone at all, I admire him very much as a coach.