'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
LaLiga has taken a very interesting turn this season. Earlier Barcelona were looking clear favourites to defend their title, now they have given an opportunity to their rivals to close the gap on the points table. The Catalans suffered a home loss against Real Betis, which led to a situation where all the top four teams are separated by a single point.
Barcelona are sitting on top with 24 points, while Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, and Deportivo Alaves all have 23 points. The race is certainly on, and with Real Madrid also catching up, this season certainly has a lot to offer.
This LaLiga season has many mouth-watering ties in store for us. One such match will take place at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano today, as Atletico Madrid take on Barcelona. This will certainly be a decisive match, and the outcome may have far reaching implications in the title race.
Here are three reasons why Barcelona will win against Atletico.
#1 Signings are performing well this season
Barcelona have finally found a way in their system to nurture the young talent in their squad. Barca have signed some really talented players in the summer transfer window who are taking the team to the next level. Players like Lenglet, Arthur, and Malcolm have performed really well this season.
Arthur and Dembele have impressed the most, as they have often been the deciding factor in matches. Arthur has been seen as a replacement for Iniesta by many, and he has proven this true to an extent. His temperament and passing has really been commendable, and his vision is also world class, as it helps him find players easily on the pitch.
Dembele on the other hand has come out of his shell, and is finally justifying his price tag with some crucial goals. His blistering pace and tremendous ball control is a continuous threat to the opposition.
With the evolution of such a young squad under Valverde, the future of Barcelona is definitely in safe hands.
#2 Atletico's injury woes
Diego Simeone has built his team around a strong defense since his arrival, but he has had to deal with a lot of injured players lately, especially in defensive positions. Godin and Gimenez who are the foundation of Atletico's rock solid defense are injured, and Juanfran is also doubtful as he is suffering from a calf injury.
Simeone will be helpless without his defensive powerhouses against the formidable Barcelona attack. The likes of Messi, Suarez, Coutinho, and Dembele will look to threaten the home side with their pace and agility. The lack of experience on the pitch might come back to haunt Los Colchoneros.
Koke and Lemar were also sidelined due to muscle and thigh injuries, and Simeone will definitely need such playmakers to break through in counter attack. All in all, it will be a test of character, mental strength, and temperament for Simeone's men against the reigning champions.
#3 Barcelona's attacking mentality
The Catalans have found a new lease of life under Ernesto Valverde who was struggling with his defensive tactics last season. Barcelona have looked a different team in this campaign altogether, with their explosive front three and sublime midfielders.
New signings like Dembele, Coutinho, and Arthur have also constantly threatened the opposition with their skills and chemistry with teammates.
Messi also has an excellent scoring record against La Rojiblancos, as he has found the net 28 times in 36 games against Atletico Madrid. His collegiality with Luis Suarez will also prove to be decisive in this epic battle. The duo have scored more league goals so far (18) than the entire Atletico squad combined (16).
Valverde's men will be looking to demolish Simeone's regime and defend their LaLiga title once again. Saturday's league clash at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano should once more see a goals fest, as none of their last 17 meetings have ended goalless.
