The prediction of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona comes before the match of the 16th round of La Liga. This game will be played on January 8th at Metropolitano Stadium, Spain. In this match overview, we bring you betting tips and accurate predictions of results based on the analysis of these two sides.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Match Preview and Team News
Atletico Madrid
This has not been a good season for Atletico Madrid. They are nine points adrift of the top spot heading into the first weekend of 2023 and are almost certainly out of the title race already. More disappointing still was their performance in the Champions League. Like Barcelona, they were eliminated in the group phase. Two-time finalists under Diego Simeone, Atletico is no longer among Europe’s elite. They have now gone six years without reaching the last four of the competition, and the Colchoneros will not even be playing Europa League soccer next month after they finished fourth in their group. All of which has led to questions being asked of Simeone. No one disputes that the Argentine has done a phenomenal job at Atletico. Since his appointment in December 2011, he has twice won both the title and the Europa League, plus reached a pair of Champions League finals, but many are now doubtful whether he is the right man to take them forward from this position. That is why the next few months could be crucial for Simeone. Joao Felix enjoys the pitch, and when he receives the ball and goes toward the goal, the opponent has problems. He is strong, and it is challenging to keep this guy. Diego Simeone seeks responsibility in every game, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is, the players have to do their best, which is why he is one of the best coaches in the world.
Barcelona
Many publications still show Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table, but if the season ended today, Real Madrid would be the title winner. The two teams are level on points at the summit of the standings, and Xavi Hernandez’s side has a superior goal difference, but the first tie-breaker in Spain is a head-to-head record, and Madrid has the advantage there. Barcelona was alone in the top spot during the break for World Cup 2022, but a 1-1 draw with Espanyol last weekend allowed Madrid to move level on points with their arch-rivals. Xavi, his players, and the club’s fans were not happy after they dropped points against the other team from Catalonia. The referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz bore the brunt of their criticism. The official, who took charge of several games in Qatar, showed 15 yellow cards and two red cards and was later accused of trying to hog the spotlight. Raphinha enjoys the pitch, and when he receives the ball and moves toward the goal, the opponent has problems. Pedri showed that he is a great player, he moves well and cooperates with the attackers, all praise for him.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Predicted Lineups
Altetico Madrid: Oblak, Gimenez, Savic, Hermoso, Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Witsel, Carrasco, Morata, Griezmann.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Balde, Kounde, E Garcia, Alonso, Pedri, Busquets, De Jong, Raphinha, Depay, Dembele.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Betting Tips and Predictions
There are no favorites in this match, and we won’t be surprised if this clash could end in a draw.
This will be a big fight between these two rivals, and we should expect a goal from both teams. Football fans should enjoy this match and see at least a goal in each net.
Draw @ 3.50
BTTS Yes @ 1.80
Correct score 1:1 @ 5.50