Table of Content
Atletico Madrid can enter the international break at the top of the La Liga table if they defeat Barcelona in Sunday’s high-stakes encounter. According to 101 Great Goals, Barcelona currently lead the standings by a two-point margin.
Match Preview and Team Form
Barcelona have successfully rebounded from a difficult period in late October that included defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s side thrashed Alavés 6-1 before securing a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Champions League. Their domestic attacking record is prolific, with 46 goals scored across 11 league matches—more than double Atletico’s total of 22.
Atletico Madrid have enjoyed a strong domestic campaign with nine wins, one draw, and one defeat from 11 games, accumulating 28 points. Diego Simeone’s team concluded October with a 2-0 victory at Levante, though they enter Sunday’s fixture following a 2-0 home loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Flick holds past rivalry with Simeone, as Atletico eliminated Barcelona from both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season. However, league history favors the visitors, as Atletico have not beaten Barcelona in La Liga since December 2024 and have lost six of their last seven home matches against the Catalan club.
Team News and Expected Line-ups
Barcelona face a significant midfield setback after summer signing Rodri was substituted at half-time against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury that sidelines him for approximately a month. With Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, and Eric García also unavailable, João Cancelo is expected to continue at right-back alongside Alejandro Balde on the left, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Anthony Gordon lead the attack.
Atletico Madrid are expected to start former Barcelona target Julián Álvarez alongside Lee Kang-in in attack, with Alex Baena and Giuliano Simeone positioned on the flanks.
Atletico Madrid expected line-up: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; G. Simeone, Barrios, Hjulmand, Baena; Lee, Álvarez
Barcelona expected line-up: Joan García; Cancelo, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Balde; Bernal, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha
Broadcast Details and Prediction
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM local time) on Sunday, November 8, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on Premier Sports and stream it via the Premier Sports Player.
Given the strong form of both teams, 101 Great Goals predicts a draw, a result that could benefit Real Madrid provided they defeat Valencia on Saturday night.
