5th round of Spanish „La Liga" awaits an intriguing clash. Today, in the late hours, a match between Barcelona and Madrid's Atletico footballers will take place in the capital of Catalonia. „Barcelona“ - Madrid's „Atletico“ League: „La Liga“ (5th round) Stadium: „Camp Nou“ (Barcelona) Referee: David Fernandez Borbalan Date and time: 2016-09-21, 23:00 A victory is crucial for both teams in this duel, as their main competitor in the title race, Madrid's „Real“, is ahead. Real's team also faces tough matches today, but the „whites“ hope for a draw at „Camp Nou“ stadium which would benefit both „Barca“ and „Atletico“. Sporting form Both teams should not complain about their current form. In the last three matches, „Barca“ scored 13 goals, while „Atletico“ - 10. Knowing the solid defense of „Atletico“ when facing strong opponents, expecting many goals at the „Camp Nou“ fortress should not be a consideration. However, both teams should aim to score after conceding a goal. In the last round of „La Liga“, „Barcelona“ triumphed 5-1 away against the league's newcomers „Leganes“. The beginning of the match was tough for the Catalans, but the MSN trio's momentum stopped the newcomers' attempt and secured a comfortable victory. Diego Simeone's squad also had no trouble in the last round and demolished „Sporting Gijon“ 5-0. The winning team stood out with doubles from Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres. „Barca“ suffered an unexpected loss to „Deportivo Alaves“ this season in Spain. „Rojiblancos“ had a tough start with two consecutive draws against league newcomers. „Barcelona“ is 3 points behind the leaders and „Atletico“ is 4 points behind. Team news Both teams were able to navigate without serious injuries, but on Tuesday, during a „Barcelona“ training session, center-back Samuel Umtiti was injured. Luis Enrique also did not include Rafinha and full-back Aleix Vidal in the match. Meanwhile, due to injuries, „Atletico“ still cannot field Tiago, Miguel Moya, and Alessio Cerci. Croatian international defender Sime Vrsaljko also did not make it into the squad for technical reasons. Predicted „Barcelona“ starting lineup: Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar. Predicted „Atletico“ starting lineup: Jan Oblak; Juanfran, Stefan Savic, Diego Godin, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Koke, Saul Niguez, Nicolas Gaitan; Kevin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann. Head-to-head matches Despite „Atletico“ being a tough nut for every European giant, „Barcelona“ has enjoyed success against their Madrid rivals in recent years. In their last five meetings, the team led by D. Simeone defeated „Barca“ only once. However, that one victory was of great value - in last season's UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, a 2-0 victory secured a spot in the semi-finals. This was the last showdown between these two clubs. The other four matches ended with narrow victories for Barcelona. „Atletico“ 2 - 0 „Barcelona“ (2016) „Barcelona“ 2 - 1 „Atletico“ (2016) „Barcelona“ 2 - 1 „Atletico“ (2016) „Atletico“ 1 - 2 „Barcelona“ (2015) „Barcelona“ 1 - 0 „Atletico“ (2015) Prediction Based on the recent head-to-head statistics, expecting a goal fiesta at the „Camp Nou“ stadium is not likely. A tough match between two well-acquainted rivals awaits. The final result may be determined by small mistakes - missed passes, lost balls, and the like. A victory is of great value to both teams, but they should not expect it at the Catalonia fortress. Prediction - 1:1.
Aivaras Katutis, eurofootball.lt
