Barcelona will make a trip to Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, to take on Diego Simeone’s side who are yet to lose a single La Liga game this season.
While both teams prepare for the fierce cracker, here are three things to note ahead of the game:
‘No Luiz Suarez, No Problem’
Whilst the Uruguayan, may be absent for the match against the club that so clumsily cast him aside in the summer. There is more than enough firepower at Diego Simeone’s disposal to cause Koeman a real headache, with Joao Felix being available for selection.
Suarez, was ruled out of the game that would have seen him make headlines after contracting Covid-19 during the international break.
However, Simeone will rely on the brilliance of 21-year-old Joao Felix who has delivered series of spectacular performance for both club and country since his discovery from parent club Benfica.
Barcelona shaky defense face Atleti acid test
Barcelona will aim to continue their 10 years dominance against Atlectico Madrid in the league despite portraying a shadow of themselves last season.
The club has had a sloppy start to the current season; sitting in the 8th position with 11 points; 9 points behind league leaders, Real Sociedad who are two games ahead.
While Ronald Koeman would heave a sigh of relief at the return of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona will be without the commanding presence of Samuel Umtiti at the backline; which means the Dutchman will have to bank on the experiences of Gerrad Pique and Jordi Alba to hold out attacking threats from the host.
Will Messi cease the day again?
Lionel Messi has remained a thorn in Simeone’s side but the 33-year-old has not been his scintillating self in recent weeks, after his blocked attempt to leave last summer.
Barcelona should also be worried over the freshness in his legs too this weekend, given the fact that the Argentinian only finished playing 90 minutes against Peru in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The Argentine was one of the three players asked to sit out training at Barcelona on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated trip to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Messi was permitted by Blaugrana boss Ronald Koeman to sit out the training session alongside teammates Frenkie de Jong and Miralem Pjanic, as per Diario AS.
Messi had reportedly divulge his frustration when he landed through the airport in the Catalan capital on Wednesday, after international duties.
He proclaimed to reporters: “I’m tired of always being the problem for everything at the club,” further portraying his unhappy state at the club.
Regardless, his compatriot still believes in his ability owing to the record he’s had against Atletico Madrid.
Messi’s superb strike into the corner in a game that decided their previous encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano last year, marked his 31st goal in 40 games against Atletico.
