Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: A massive clash at the top end of the table

Los Rojiblancos and the Blaugrana will face off in a duel that could prove decisive in terms of who finishes where at the top end of the table.

La Liga is reaching the business end of the season, with the last 10 rounds of the competition starting this weekend. There is still much to be decided, especially at the top end of the table as there are so many teams fighting for the same objectives. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are two of those teams and they’ll meet in one of the most attractive fixtures remaining this term. There is a lot at stake, given that these three points could determine who finishes where in the race for Europe. Atletico Madrid want a victory in order to put their recent slip-up against Cadiz behind them, and to regain their lead over Athletic Club in the fight for fourth place, which is the final Champions League ticket for next season. Barcelona, meanwhile, are still chasing down Real Madrid, looking to close the gap on Los Blancos in the title race.

Diego Simeone’s side are currently fourth with 55 points, now one behind their nearest challengers Athletic Club. Six points ahead of Atleti are Xavi’s side, who with 61 points are not far behind leaders Real Madrid on 72. With 10 games left to play, anything is possible for either of these teams, so long as they leave the Metropolitano with three points. With Matchday 38 and the end of the season so close, if either team loses then they could be forced to sweat over the final weeks.

When they first met this season, in Barcelona, Xavi’s side won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Joao Felix, who is currently on loan from Los Rojiblancos. Felix will once again be one of the main focal points in this match, as it’ll be interesting to see how he is received by the