Political shadow looms over clash
BIG GAME: CATALANS SET FOR HOT RECEPTION IN MADRID
Atletico fans close ranks with Spanish government.
The biggest game of the La Liga season so far is shrouded in political tension as Barcelona visit Atletico Madrid today in their first trip to the Spanish capital since a Catalan independence referendum marred by violence.
Barca played their last match behind closed doors as the October 1 referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanish government, took place amid chaotic scenes as police seized ballot papers and clashed with voters, leaving 92 injured, with nearly 900 seeking medical attention.
“It was one of the worst moments we’ve experienced,” Barca captain Andres Iniesta said this week. “It was a bit surreal.”
Iniesta, 33, signed a first-ever “contract for life” at Barca last week, a day after calling on both sides of the political spectrum to negotiate.
However, deep divisions remain despite Catalonia president Carles Puigdemont’s decision to suspend a unilateral declaration of independence on Tuesday.
“It has reached a point which isn’t good for anyone,” added Iniesta. “Those in charge have to resolve it.”
Only 250 tickets have been made available to away fans at Atletico’s new 68 000 capacity Wanda Metropolitano.
Despite a series of distractions, including the loss of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain and calls for Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign, Barca have started La Liga with a perfect record after seven games.
That spectacular form has been thanks to Lionel Messi’s 14 goals in 11 matches this season, and he also rescued Argentina’s floundering World Cup qualifying campaign with a stunning hattrick against Ecuador on Tuesday to ensure their World Cup place.
“Messi is so good he can win La Liga himself with a mediocre team, which isn’t the case,” added Atletico defender Felipe Luis.
“Barca have remained at the top for so many years thanks to him.”
Atletico have yet to beat Barca in 11 La Liga meetings since Diego Simeone took charge in 2011.
However, Barca are often vulnerable immediately after an international break with the likes of Messi and Luis Suarez only returning to training yesterday.
Iniesta is expected to be fit after missing Spain’s final World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring strain.
Real Madrid are seven points adrift of Barca, but can close the gap at the top earlier today when they travel to Getafe.
However, Real coach Zinedine Zidane will have to cope without the injured Gareth Bale, Keylor Navas, Dani Carvajal and Mateo Kovacic. –