After experiencing very different emotions in mid-week during the UEFA Champions League action, Spain’s two best sides will move their attention to the La Liga title race with a crucial match as the Rojiblancos host league leaders Barcelona on Sunday, March 16.
Within a span of three weeks, Barcelona lost three matches at home in the league with the last of those coming against Atletico Madrid as Pedri’s first-half goal went in vain with Rodrigo de Paul and Alxeander Sorloth scoring for Simeone’s men. Since that match, the Blaugrana haven’t lost a single match in the league and are currently on a six-match winning streak.
Know more about the odds, moneyline, picks, and predictions for the crucial La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona here.
Here is when and where to watch the clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Date: 03/16
Time: 4 pm ET
Location: Metropolitano, Madrid
Where to watch: The match can be watched on ESPN+ in the USA
Atletico would face Barcelona for the third time in the season on Sunday in a potential title-decider and for the fourth time when the two teams meet for the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final in April first week.
Hansi Flick’s men would come into the fixture high on confidence after swatting aside Benfica in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League while Atletico Madrid once again crashed out out of the competition after losing to Real Madrid on penalties.
With 56 points in 27 matches, the Rojiblancos have had a decent season but they would like to make it much better by ending the season with one or two trophies and Barcelona stand in their way en route to both trophies.
Simeone has led his side brilliantly to keep them in the title race with three-fourth of the league season already behind them and with only league and cup to focus on for the rest of the season, Atletico can still win the league by usurping Barcelona and Real Madrid.
With 57 points from 26 matches, Flick’s men are in the driving seat of the La Liga title race which is intensifying every matchday as only one point separates Barcelona in 1st place and Atletico in 3rd place.
Robert Lewandowski is currently leading the La Liga scoring charts while Lamine Yamal leads the assists charts as the duo would be eager to add to their numbers with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Inaki Williams chasing the Barcelona duo.
The Playoffs aim to facilitate the safest bets for the game. Have a look at the predictions for the game below.
Total goals Over 3.5 @ +145 (MGM Bet): The last time these two teams met, a total of 8 goals were socred as Simeone ditched his defense-first tactics to tackle the Barcelona attackers head on by scoring two early goals. With a plethora of talented attackers on display, the fans can expect numerous goals on Sunday as well.
Lamine Yamal (To Score a Goal @ +235 as per MGM Bet): The wonder kid has impressed everyone around the footballing world with his quick feet and ball control. Yamal currently has 11 assists and 5 goals in the ongoing league season and the teenager is expected to fire against Barcelona’s title rivals on Sunday at the Metropolitano as well.
Many fans and pundits would be backing Barcelona given their lofty standards and current form but one can never rule out Atletico Madrid who have time and again shocked Spain’s richest clubs to win several Spanish titles.
Our Final Prediction: A 2-2 draw is the most likely outcome from the battle of two of the top sides in Spain.
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