By Neel Shelat
Barcelona’s effective kind in 2025
Barcelona relatively ran out of steam on the finish of 2024 as they received simply one in every of their final seven home video games of the yr. Nevertheless, they definitely appeared to hit the reset button within the winter break as they’ve received 10 and drawn the opposite two of their 12 video games up to now in 2025.
That run of outcomes contains their final two Copa del Rey ties in opposition to UD Barbastro and Actual Betis, the memorable Supercopa 5-2 Clásico victory (which is only one of seven video games during which Barça scored 4 or extra objectives) and an ongoing five-match profitable streak.
Atlético Madrid’s watertight defence
Atlético Madrid’s summer season switch enterprise closely targeted on revamping their assault, however defence has nonetheless remained the important thing to success for Diego Simeone’s facet.
Atléti have conceded a number of objectives in only one home match this time period, so that they unsurprisingly have the most effective defensive file in LaLiga, and by a notable margin.
On the flip facet, Barcelona have scored by far probably the most objectives within the Spanish high flight this season, so an epic battle appears to be on the playing cards.
Barcelona’s tough-to-swallow defeat within the final assembly
After all, these two groups met fairly just lately in LaLiga. That match was additionally held on the Olympic Stadium, the place Atlético staged a late turnaround to knock Barcelona off the highest of the desk.
That loss will need to have been significantly robust to digest for the hosts given the truth that they completely dominated proceedings all through the match however conceded twice in opposition to the run of play.
On the flip facet, Hansi Flick will need to have had numerous positives to remove from his workforce’s total efficiency in that recreation, which could even make them the favourites for this tie.
Each side close to full power
Another excuse to be enthusiastic about this recreation is that we must always anticipate to see two close to full-strength XIs. Lamine Yamal was absent for the final assembly with an ankle damage, however he needs to be anticipated to begin together with all of Barcelona’s star forwards. Andreas Christensen’s health is the one query for the Blaugrana, as Marc-André ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are out for the season.
Koke is the one participant on Atlético Madrid’s damage record, so Simeone could have all of his attackers to select from. Assuming he sticks to the trusty 4-4-2 formation, the latest sample means that Julián Alvarez needs to be anticipated to begin alongside Antoine Griezmann, whereas Alexander Sørloth will possible come on off the bench within the second half.
Prediction
These two carefully matched rivals will probably be eager to not lose this cup tie within the first leg, so we must always anticipate a decent contest. Barcelona’s highly effective assault ought to purpose to interrupt by Atléti’s staunch defence, however the guests’ counterattacking menace may additionally trigger issues for what generally is a generally disarrayed defence. All of which may end in a 1-1 rating draw.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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