Barça can deliver a decisive blow to LaLiga against a worn-out Atlético

FC Barcelona will arrive at the Metropolitano on Sunday with a clear physical and emotional advantage in a true final for the LaLiga title against Atlético de Madrid (Sunday at 21:00 CEST). The team managed by Hansi Flick has had a much more comfortable week, following their victory on Tuesday against Benfica (3-1) and the suspension of the match against Osasuna last Saturday.

Emotionally, the weekend was extremely tough for the culés due to the unexpected passing of doctor Carles Miñarro. However, the qualification for the Champions quarter-finals provided a huge boost for a squad aiming to win everything this season. The team remains unbeaten in 17 matches across all competitions this 2025 and has displayed spectacular football, even better than what they showed in the first three months of the season.

Atlético on the brink of KO in a week to forget

Atlético, on the other hand, arrives very battered from their elimination in the Champions against Real Madrid (1-0, 2-4 p.), after an eternal match that had to be resolved in penalties, with controversy included favoring the 'White House'. The 'colchoneros' came off a loss on Sunday against Getafe (2-1), so they could complete their worst week of the season if they lose again at home on Sunday against the azulgrana team.

In their last visit to the Metropolitano, Barça won clearly 0-3, even when Xavi Hernández's side was not at their best moment. Joao Félix, Robert Lewandowski, and Fermín López scored the goals in a rout that did little for the interests of a team that fell out of the title race very early. Not surprisingly, the culés barely managed to recover second place in the final stretch of the championship.

Real Madrid will also have a tough away game this weekend

Additionally, Real Madrid also has a risky visit just before the international break. Carlo Ancelotti's side visits Villarreal on Saturday (18:30), significantly weakened by the fatigue from playing extra time at the Metropolitano. Ferland Mendy will be out due to injury, while Fede Valverde and Kylian Mbappé are expected to stay on the bench at El Madrigal.

Last season, the 'merengues' drew at the Estadio de la Cerámica (4-4), with an alternative XI and with the league title already resolved. Now, 'Carletto' is forced to field the best possible team to keep pace with a Barça that could head into the break with a cushion of 3 and 4 points over their closest pursuers, awaiting the rescheduling of the match against Osasuna in Montjuïc.

⚽ Matchday 28 fixtures of LaLiga EA Sports 2024/25