Hansi Flick’s Barcelona began the season in very good type however Atletico Madrid have wrestled their approach into the title race and the 2 sides meet on Saturday bidding to guide La Liga at Christmas. Both have 38 factors and though Barcelona have performed one additional match they lead the desk on purpose distinction, with champions Real Madrid third, a degree behind and nonetheless firmly within the battle because of the Catalans’ current droop. Diego Simeone’s Atletico have received 11 consecutive matches throughout all competitions and wish so as to add yet another victory on the Olympic stadium to say prime spot.
The Rojiblancos made a number of summer season signings, together with Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez in assault, and their deep squad began off as an issue however is turning into a optimistic.
Simeone repeatedly needed to depart star names on the bench as he rotated and it took the squad some time to come back to phrases with it.
However now Atletico repeatedly have been capable of win matches due to the influence of their substitutes and the coach stated it’s their biggest energy.
“Before the (win over Getafe final weekend) I spoke with the gamers about thanking and recognising those that weren’t going to begin the sport,” stated Simeone.
“There are essential gamers who’re competing in a unprecedented approach, and you’ll inform that after they come into the staff.
“That is our energy, to compete in the way in which we would like, we want everybody to be as concerned as they (at the moment) are — it is our greatest energy.”
Former Barcelona duo Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet are in very good type for the guests.
As Atletico’s fortunes have modified for the higher, Barcelona’s season has hit a shock droop.
The Catalans, who misplaced 1-0 at house in opposition to Leganes final weekend, have received simply considered one of their final six league video games, with three of these ending in defeat.
Flick’s intense urgent sport appears to be taking a toll on the staff, who now not seem as sharp as they did at the beginning of the season.
“I feel we began the sport half-asleep,” admitted midfielder Pedri after that defeat.
The German coach has confirmed reluctant to rotate his key gamers, additionally contributing to the staff’s lack of freshness.
‘Full focus’
Barcelona’s terrific begin to the season, together with thumping victories over Real Madrid in La Liga and Bayern Munich within the Champions League might have contributed to the staff dropping concentrate on a psychological stage.
They began the marketing campaign extensively anticipated to be clinging to Madrid’s coat-tails however rapidly discovered their toes below Flick and with reward lavished upon them, the image rapidly modified.
Teams have additionally began to work on methods to bypass the excessive defensive position, with midfield runners from deep capitalising in methods Madrid and Bayern couldn’t.
“I’ve advised the staff that every little thing is dependent upon us, on whether or not we play with full focus,” stated Flick, who’s finishing a touchline suspension in opposition to Atletico.
“As is regular, all groups search for our weaknesses and can battle to use them.”
Barcelona may even be with out key winger Lamine Yamal, with the 17-year-old sidelined till January with an ankle damage.
Madrid have responded nicely to their 4-0 Clasico thrashing by Barcelona to remain within the title race, with Kylian Mbappe match once more after a short damage lay-off.
The French ahead scored as Madrid beat Pachuca to win the Intercontinental Cup in midweek. They face Sevilla on Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect is also prime throughout the winter break with a victory, ought to Barcelona and Atletico share the spoils the day earlier than.
Player to observe: Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid’s French midfielder is again from damage and anticipated to begin in opposition to Sevilla, as he bids to lastly maintain down a spot in Los Blancos’ midfield. Often a rotation possibility for Ancelotti, with Aurelien Tchouameni now put in at centre-back alongside Antonio Rudiger, Camavinga has the possibility to take the reins for good in Madrid’s engine room.
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