Barcelona have edged out Atletico Madrid in recent history, with each of their previous three encounters ending in a 1 nil win for the Blaugrana. This time around, the tie is at the Civitas Metropolitano where Atletico have taken no prisoners.
To Win (90 mins)
Atletico Madrid 13/10
Draw 26/10
Barcelona 7/4
Atletico Madrid
Despite losing their long-time attack dog and fan favourite Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona some years ago, the France international has reunited with Simeone & Co at his beloved Atleti. After a largely unsuccessful spell at the Catalan club, in which he scored 35 goals in 102 games, Griezmann has looked like his former self since he returned to Atletico (albeit on loan initially and then permanently).
Arguably the best outfield player in La Liga last season, Antoine Griezmann has picked up right where he left off. Despite being the creator-in-chief for the Rojiblancos, his goal-scoring antics have written his name in their history books this season. Shortly after the turn of the year, Antoine Griezmann broke the Atletico Madrid all-time goal record (following his 174th goal for the Capital club) and sealed his legendary status.
Ahead of this fixture, I expect Griezmann to be the focal point of the Atleti attack. He has directly been involved in seventeen goals (scoring eleven and assisting six) across his twenty-four league outings, which is a team leading total. Evidently, I’m sure he has a big part to play if Atletico can keep their strong home form going.
Barcelona
There were a number of high-profile midfield signings that came through the Barcelona door in recent history. The man tasked with applying the finishing touch to those tacticians was 35-year-old Polish goal-machine Robert Lewandowski.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich hitman has been lauded as one of the best strikers in Europe for the best part of a decade. Like all elite centre forwards, Lewi made a fast start to his Barça career, needing just 79 fixtures to reach 50 goals for the club.
Despite the goals drying up towards the backend of last season, the Pole would go on to win the Pichichi – La Liga’s award for the top scorer of the season. Fast forward to this season and his impact has left much to be desired. Whilst he has been among the goals (twelve in twenty-six league outings) for the Spanish heavyweights, his lack of impact in games has had fans divided … And the same can be said for his teammates. With Xavi already announcing that he will step down at the end of the season, you have to wonder if he still has the dressing room.
Verdict: Atletico Madrid at 13/10
With both these outfits scheduled to play in the UEFA Champions League ahead of their clash in Madrid, I expect a low scoring encounter. Atletico Madrid have been imperious at home in the league, and I think it could be wave of attack after attack. I back them to get this one over the line.
Written by Desh Parthab.