Barcelona’s Potential Title Decider Up Next: Atletico Madrid
They do not come much bigger than a trip to the Wanda Metropolitano to face arguably the toughest team in Spain’s top flight in Atletico Madrid.
However, that is exactly what Barcelona must contend with upon the resumption of domestic football following the international break and for those seeking to garner additional value through promo codes at sites such as betin sports the game is a mouth-watering affair.
Form
Atletico have proven they are the biggest Madrid threat to the defence of Barcelona’s crown this season (as well as last season) and will host Barce in bullish mood after picking up vital wins in both the Champions League and La Liga.
In fact, Simeone’s men have responded well to that surprise 4-0 thumping in Dortmund back in September and have claimed four wins and a draw in their five matches since (including exacting revenge on Dortmund at the Wanda).
For Barcelona the tale could not be much different.
Real Betis committed the ultimate sin for Nou Camp fans after beating Barce in their own back yard and becoming the first team in just over two years to do so.
A stale 1-1 with Inter in the Champions League prior to that has hardly painted Ernesto Valverde’s men as a picture rude of health and it is questionable whether or not the International break has come at a good time or not for Barcelona despite sitting top of the table (just).
What happened last time?
Lionel Messi struck the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Barcelona the last time the pair met but that was at the Nou Camp in March.
The last time Barce visited Atletico’s home turf a 1-1 was played out.
Saul gave the home side a 21st minute lead but Barce were thankful to Luis Suarez who popped up with an 82nd minute equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared almost exactly 13 months ago.
Title decider?
It is too soon to determine this as a title decider however it may have major ramifications later on in the season as three-points in November are just as valuable as three-points in May.
If Barcelona win, they will move four points ahead of the Atleti (who finished second to Barcelona last season) which will effectively give them a free game on their rivals.
Whichever way you look at it, that can only be a good thing for the away side, however, Atletico cannot be written off as the Wanda is something of a fortress and victory on home soil will see them leap frog their great rivals.
This game may not be consider a title decider today, but come May we might be looking at this match as where the title was potentially won or lost.