Atletico Madrid look to have little to play for in La Liga beyond finalising whether they finish third or fourth, but Diego Simeone’s side can play a potentially significant role in the title race and the set tone for a tantalising trilogy when they aim to beat Barcelona at home for the second time in 2026 on Saturday.
The teams will meet again at Camp Nou in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, followed by a decider at the Metropolitano six days later (both 20:00 BST).
“They are extraordinary and have the ability to play in the opponent’s half, not letting you think,” Simeone said of Barca, via AS.
“Football is first and foremost about the players, beyond the tactics and ideas of the coaches. They are the ones who ultimately decide these matches, with their experience and quality.
“Barca have played a certain way for the last two years since [Hansi Flick] arrived, with their high defensive line.
“That won’t change because it’s their style of play and their positioning for winning duels and, by winning those duels, being able to attack.”
Flick acknowledged that Barca made “so many mistakes” in their 4-0 defeat at Atleti in the Copa del Rey on February 12, rendering a 3-0 return leg win insufficient for the Liga leaders.
“They have a fantastic team and one of the best coaches in the world,” suggested Flick. “I appreciate it a lot when I see them play.
“[Antoine] Griezmann is unbelievable. It’s always like he’s dancing and I like how he plays a lot. The atmosphere there is also fantastic.”
Barca started the weekend four points above second-placed Real Madrid, who visit relegation-threatened Mallorca on Saturday (15:15 BST).
Atletico Madrid v Barcelona team news
Defenders Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia are back in contention for Barca following muscle injuries.
Raphinha has suffered a hamstring injury and Flick hinted that Marcus Rashford could replace the forward, adding that Gavi – who he said is at a “great level” – and Fermin Lopez are also options.
The game will come too soon for midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has been out since February with a hamstring issue but could return for the second leg in the Champions League.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak (muscle) and midfielder Rodri Mendoza (ankle) will return to Atleti training on Monday following injuries.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (hamstring), defenders Marc Pubill (rib) and Andreas Christensen (knee) and midfielders Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso (both hamstring) are sidelined.
Right-back or midfielder Marcos Llorente is suspended. Forward Alexander Sorloth is a doubt with a head injury sustained while playing for Norway that required stitches.
