Level on points (38) at the summit of La Liga, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are set to clash in a high-stakes showdown on Saturday evening, with the winner guaranteed to top the table heading into 2025.

Barcelona hold the top spot by virtue of their superior goal difference, but Atletico, with a game in hand, are the in-form team heading into this encounter, riding an incredible 11-match winning streak across all competitions. Barcelona’s league record stands at 12 wins, two draws, and four losses from 18 matches, with their 38 points keeping them narrowly ahead of Atletico and third-placed Real Madrid. However, both Atletico and Real have played one fewer game, and the latter sits just a point behind, adding further pressure to this pivotal weekend in La Liga.Earlier this season, Barcelona looked set to dominate the title race, but their form has dipped significantly, with just one win in their last six league outings and three defeats during that span. Hansi Flick’s side suffered a shocking 1-0 home loss to Leganes in their last game, making it back-to-back defeats at their temporary ground against Las Palmas and Leganes. Despite their domestic struggles, Barcelona are well-placed in the Champions League, sitting second in their group, three points behind leaders Liverpool. Nevertheless, a loss on Saturday could see them end the year in third place domestically, a disappointing outcome given their strong start to the season. Atletico’s recent history at Barcelona’s home ground offers little encouragement; they last won a league match there in February 2006. Barcelona have triumphed in their last five meetings with Atletico, including a 1-0 win in the corresponding fixture last season.

Atletico have also failed to score against Barcelona in La Liga since February 2022, with their last league victory over the Catalan side coming in October 2021. However, Simeone’s team enters this match in exceptional form, having won their last 11 games across all competitions, including six straight victories in La Liga against Las Palmas, Mallorca, Alaves, Real Valladolid, Sevilla, and Getafe. Alexander Sorloth scored the decisive goal off the bench in Atletico’s 1-0 win over Getafe last time out, a result that lifted them to second place, level on points with Barcelona but with a crucial game in hand. Atletico’s defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their season, conceding just 11 goals—joint-best in the league alongside Real Sociedad. Offensively, Antoine Griezmann, Sorloth, and Julian Alvarez have combined for 19 league goals, underscoring their attacking prowess. Having last won La Liga in the 2020-21 season, Atletico are firmly in the title conversation, and a win on Saturday would underline their credentials. Barcelona will be without 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is sidelined until early 2025 with an ankle injury. There are slim chances of Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati returning to the squad, but long-term absentees Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain unavailable. Ronald Araujo, back from a hamstring injury that required surgery, is expected to start on the bench, with Pau Cubarsi set to return to the center of defense. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo could move to a wide position, allowing Fermin Lopez to benefit from Yamal’s absence. Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are also likely to remain substitutes. For Atletico, Thomas Lemar’s return to fitness means Simeone has a fully available squad, with no new injuries reported ahead of the game. Conor Gallagher could be the only change to the side that beat Getafe, likely replacing Samuel Lino in a wide role. Despite scoring the winner last time out, Sorloth is expected to remain on the bench, with Griezmann and Alvarez continuing as the front two. Koke is also likely to miss out on a starting spot.

This clash is incredibly difficult to predict, and while either side is capable of securing a win, both managers may see a draw as a solid outcome. A tight contest could end with the points shared, opening the door for Real Madrid to potentially close the year atop La Liga.

Best Tip: BTS

Correct Score: 1-2