War of styles and fight for the Champions: Barça-Atlético is a 'final'

It is only worth adding three points to FC Barcelona in Atlético de Madrid's visit to the Camp Nou this Sunday at 4:15 p.m. (in Spain). A victory would mean climbing to third place in the standings and starting to drive away, once and for all, all the ghosts that have haunted the Barça team this season. It is time to hit the table and confirm the improvement of the culés, not only with sensations, but also with results. 

The Barça-Atlético have become 'finals' and key matches in LaLiga and this will not be the exception, just the opposite. Both teams have signed a worrying start to the course and far from great expectations. It is a clash that will define the season. far beyond of what set keeps the fourth place: It will be the 'reaffirmation' of whoever takes the three points and a new punishment for whoever stays in the attempt.

Azulgrana and 'colchoneros' They are the heads and tails of football when it comes to styles, but they are in a very similar situation. Both have the obligation and need to find themselves. themselves and their best version to fight for the championship, if Real Madrid continues to 'humanize itself' and let more points slip away. fourteen points behind the leadership and Barça 15, both with one game less than the White House. It is still too early to talk about comebacks, but yes. to recover lost ground... In both cases. 

It is a challenge of very different styles and visions of football. Atlético, with its lights and shadows this season, will continue betting on the priority 'of all life', defense and verticality to make the rival uncomfortable. The counterattacks are the brand of the house and the way in which those of 'Cholo' Simeone more can do damage, so the Barça will have more. You have to take good care of your spaces to avoid surprises, as has already happened. at the Wanda Metropolitano in the match of the first round.

The 'rojiblancos' They will collide against the offensive spirit of the team led by Xavi Hernández, with space, the ball and possession as the principle of the Barça game and with a focus on constantly generating attacking actions >. Both, with paths and 'weapons' different have the same objective: to take the victory, because the one who does not achieve it will be left behind. very touched... and further from the lead if Madrid beat Granada five hours later. 

Simeone hasn't won at the Camp Nou

The statistics, as always, smile at Barça, but in this seasonal roller coaster it has become clear to us that they are of little use today. However, it is worth remembering that Atlético have gone too long without scoring three points at the Camp Nou. It's been 16 years since the last rojiblanco triumph in the fiefdom of Barcelona. With the 'Cholo' There have been seven victories for Barça and seven draws in 14 visits. Xavi's men will look for his eighth defeat. 

El Barça, reinforced... but with major absences

Xavi Hernández has four more players available for his Barça: Dani Alves, Ferran Torres, Adama Traoré, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. These last two could debut with the Catalans against Atlético and reinforce the Barça attack, which has been weakened this season. However, the one from Terrassa will not be able to do so. have a long list of footballers, all in the infirmary:  Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Memphis Depay, Samuel Umtiti, Alejandro Balde, Eric Garcia and Clément Lenglet.

On the contrary, Xavi recovers Gavi, who had been absent against Deportivo Alavés due to a card cycle. There are a few doubts in the line-up that will present The coach of the Catalans, but all the new signings (with the exception of Aubameyang, due to inactivity in these two months) aim to be a starter. is The unknown, in addition, of what may happen to Dembélé, who has returned to the call despite the fact that he has not renewed his contract.

Technical sheet of the match: Villarreal-FC Barcelona

• Match: FC Barcelona-Atlético de Madrid
• Competition: LaLiga
• Stadium: Camp Nou
• Television: Sunday, February 6 at 4:15 p.m. in Spain
• Calendar 2021-2022: Liga Santander, Europa League.