Real Madrid's victory on Saturday saw the top of La Liga go, but Barcelona wants to take their place 24 hours later when they prepare to adopt Atletico Madrid in a top of the table collision in the Metropolitano.
Only a victory would return Barcelona to the top, while a defeat would see Athleti go to the second in the rankings of La Liga. It is a competition that can have huge implications for the title race, and given that the hosts are unbeaten in the two meetings between the teams this season, they seem to have a slight lead.
Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick is willing not to take opportunities with this match, because sport says he will trust his “gala XI” as the starters against Atleti. In this respect it would only be one change compared to the 3-1 victory over Benfica in midweek, where Pau Cubarsi Ronald Araujo replaces in the center of defense.
Atleti are behind the back of a debilitating and painful Champions League exit by Real Madrid, but they have to pick themselves up for a new confrontation. Diego Simeone is expected to retain the majority of the line-up that started on Wednesday, with only one expected at left back: Javi Galan who returns instead of Reinildo Mandava. Angel Correa and Koke are not available for Los Colchoneros, where the first weekend follows a suspension of five games after his red card.
It should be a very intriguing collision in the Metropolitano. Barcelona can be considered favorites when taking their shape in 2025, but the fact that Flick has not yet improved means that it will be extra difficult for the Catalans to go to the top of the La Liga rankings in the international break.
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