Atletico Madrid appears to have scant motivation in La Liga, save for cementing their third or fourth standing. However, Diego Simeone’s squad can exert a potentially pivotal influence on the championship chase and establish the mood for a captivating three-part series as they endeavor to best Barcelona at home for the second time in 2026 this Saturday.
The squads are scheduled to clash once more at Camp Nou in the opening match of the Champions League last eight on Wednesday, with a conclusive encounter following at the Metropolitano half a dozen days subsequently (both 20:00 BST).
“They are truly exceptional and possess the aptitude for operating deep in their adversary’s territory, denying you any opportunity to strategize,” Simeone remarked about Barca, as reported by AS.
“Football is primarily contingent upon the athletes, surpassing the strategies and concepts of the trainers. They are the individuals who invariably determine these contests, owing to their seasoned skill and superior attributes.”
“Barca have adopted a particular style of play over the past two years, since [Hansi Flick]’s tenure began, characterized by their advanced defensive formation.”
“This approach will not alter because it represents their customary game methodology and their tactical setup for prevailing in one-on-one challenges, and through securing those challenges, gaining the capacity to launch assaults.”
Flick conceded that Barca committed a plethora of errors in their four-goal loss at Atleti in the Copa del Rey on February 12, thereby making a three-goal victory in the second leg inadequate for the league frontrunners.
“They possess a superb squad and one of the globe’s foremost trainers,” Flick proposed. “I derive significant enjoyment from observing their performances.”
“[Antoine] Griezmann is phenomenal. He consistently moves as if gracefully dancing, and I greatly admire his playing style. The ambiance there is likewise superb.”
Barca commenced the weekend with a four-point advantage over second-position Real Madrid, who are set to visit struggling Mallorca, facing relegation, on Saturday (15:15 BST).
Atletico Madrid versus Barcelona: Squad Updates
Defenders Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Eric Garcia are available for selection once more for Barca after recovering from muscular ailments.
Raphinha has sustained a hamstring strain, and Flick suggested Marcus Rashford might take the forward’s place, further noting that Gavi – whom he described as performing at an “excellent standard” – and Fermin Lopez present additional possibilities.
The game is premature for midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has been sidelined since February due to a hamstring problem but might make his comeback for the return fixture in the Champions League.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak (muscle) and midfielder Rodri Mendoza (ankle) are slated to rejoin Atleti’s training on Monday after their respective ailments.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (hamstring), defenders Marc Pubill (rib) and Andreas Christensen (knee), and midfielders Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso (both hamstring) remain unavailable.
Right-back or midfielder Marcos Llorente is ineligible to play due to suspension. Forward Alexander Sorloth is questionable due to a cranial trauma incurred during his time with Norway, necessitating sutures.
