TASK CUT OUT FOR SIMEONE’S SIDE
Under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid have never beaten Barcelona in La Liga but Saturday night presents them a perfect opportunity with the former not looking at their best of late. With the lead in the standings at stake, HT looks at the talking points ahead of the blockbuster clash:
OPPORTUNITY FOR GRIEZMANN
Antoine Griezmann was upset when he wasn’t included in the top-three shortlist for the FIFA Player of the Year despite having a tremendous 2017-18. Against Barcelona, who were chasing him at the start of the season, he can prove that he can turn heads in big games as well. Griezmann's performance and how he links up with Diego Costa will go a long way in deciding which way the match turns.
THE COSTA CONUNDRUM
Diego Costa’s scoring drought in the La Liga dates back to February and it’s not a good omen for Atletico, who are not a big-scoring team. The 30-year-old Costa hasn't scored in nine appearances in the league this season, partly because he has been hampered by two muscle injuries which have also cost him a place in Spain's national team. Saturday offers an ideal scenario for Costa to break out of his slump.
ALL EYES ON MESSI
Lionel Messi has always delivered when stakes are high for Barcelona and it’s no different against Atletico Madrid. The Argentine has crossed paths with Atletico 36 times and has scored 28 goals. That’s a commendable feat considering the fact that Atletico have one of the strongest defence in the La Liga. Only Sevilla have suffered more at the hands of Messi, who has scored 32 times against them.
This season as well Atletico have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just eight goals but it remains to be seen how they tackle their nemesis Messi.
BARCA’S SHAKY DEFENCE
Barcelona have had opportunities to move clear of their Madrid rivals — Real and Atletico —but a shaky defence has seen them drop points from winning positions. While they are on top, it’s just a one point lead and arch-rivals Real Madrid are just four points behind despite their struggles this season. Gerard Pique has been criticised for his sloppy efforts and in the absence of Samuel Umtiti, Barca have looked below-par. The Frenchman is available for selection against Atletico but whether manager Ernesto Valverde start him remains to be seen.