Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Match Preview & Live Streaming, December 22, 2024

It is a clash of the giants in La Liga. Catalan giants Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid in a top-of-the-table clash. Barcelona currently occupies the top spot in the La Liga standings. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid are currently placed second and have a chance of reaching the top if they manage to extract a win.

Barcelona’s recent form hasn’t been great, with just one win in six LaLiga games. Yet, Robert Lewandowski remains their powerhouse, scoring 16 goals this season. In contrast, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid has won their last five matches, showing off their defense. The weather is set for a perfect night of football: clear skies and mild temperatures are expected.

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Prediction & Betting Tip

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (Yes)	1.51

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Odds

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Home Team Win	1.90
Draw	3.82
Away Team Win	3.77

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Live Streaming, La Liga

Unfortunately, there is no live telecast of LaLiga in India. However, the new OTT platform GXR has the LaLiga live streaming rights. Fans can watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid live streaming on the GXR app at 1:30 AM on Sunday, December 22.

Barcelona Team Analysis

Barcelona Recent Performance

Lately, Barcelona’s performance has been up and down, with only one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. They recently fell 0-1 to Leganes in LaLiga but celebrated a 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Though they average 2.78 goals per game, their ability to capitalize on possession, like 80% against Leganes, needs work. Defensively, they’ve struggled too, managing just 4 clean sheets this season. Games involving Barcelona often see both teams scoring—a stat that’s telling.

Home Team	Away Team	Result
Barcelona	Leganes	0 – 1
Borussia Dortmund	Barcelona	2 – 3
Real Betis	Barcelona	2 – 2
Mallorca	Barcelona	1 – 5
Barcelona	Las Palmas	1 – 2

Barcelona Key Players

Robert Lewandowski is the star player, scoring 16 goals so far this season. In the midfield, Pedri and Marc Casado provide balance and rhythm. Dani Olmo adds creativity to the attack, while Ferrán Torres widens the gameplay on the right wing. Defensive duties fall to Jules Kounde and Álex Balde, critical in handling Atletico’s attacks. In goal, Iñaki Peña steps in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, adding intrigue to the lineup. However, Barcelona faces challenges with injuries and suspensions, notably missing players like Marc Bernal and Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries

Barcelona’s lineup is strained with several injuries. Marc Bernal is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, expected back by May 2025. Similarly, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out for the season. Lamine Yamal is dealing with an ankle injury, returning around early January 2025. Raphinha faces physical discomfort and might miss this clash. There’s optimism, though, with Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen back in training. These injuries could lead coach Marcus Sorg to make strategic lineup changes to keep Barcelona competitive.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Marc Bernal	Cruciate ligament injury	Early May 2025
Marc-Andre ter Stegen	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Lamine Yamal	Ankle injury	Early January 2025
Raphinha	Physical discomfort	Doubtful
Ansu Fati	Hamstring Injury	Back in training
Andreas Christensen	Achilles tendon injury	Back in training

Barcelona Tactics and Formation

Coach Marcus Sorg is expected to use a balanced formation, with Lewandowski leading the attack. The midfield focus will be on ball control and moving forward, spearheaded by Pedri and Marc Casado. Olmo plays a key role in creating chances against Atletico’s solid defense. İñigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsí anchor the central defense, while Kounde and Balde provide support on the wings. Ferrán Torres and potentially Raphinha will aim to stretch Atletico’s defenses. A high-possessions game with quick transitions is likely the plan to unsettle Atletico’s defenses.

Atletico Madrid Team Analysis

Atletico Madrid Recent Performance

Atletico Madrid is in fantastic form, winning their last five matches. This success mirrors their b defense and attacking prowess. Forwards Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez are pivotal, helping clinch a 4-3 win over Sevilla. Competing in multiple tournaments like LaLiga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey demonstrates their depth and consistency. Diego Simeone’s tactical expertise and aggressive game strategy have fueled this winning streak, inspiring confidence.

Home Team	Away Team	Result
Atletico Madrid	Getafe	1 – 0
Atletico Madrid	Slovan Bratislava	3 – 1
Atletico Madrid	Sevilla	4 – 3
Cacereno	Atletico Madrid	1 – 3
Real Valladolid	Atletico Madrid	0 – 5

Atletico Madrid Key Players

Antoine Griezmann is vital, constantly delivering key goals and performances. Julián Álvarez has fit in smoothly with the team, contributing decisively in matches. Marcos Llorente is a flexible player, adding to both defense and attack. Rodrigo De Paul orchestrates the midfield, providing guidance and playmaking skill. In goal, Jan Oblak stands as a reliable last line of defense. Clement Lenglet and José Giménez form the core of a solid defense. Conor Gallagher’s versatility in midfield adds extra options for Atletico.

Atletico Madrid Suspensions & Injuries

Atletico Madrid faces injuries with Ángel Correa out due to a muscle injury, returning in early January 2025. Alexander Sørloth, with a head injury, is also expected back at the same time. Despite these setbacks, the squad has shown resilience, maintaining high performance levels under Simeone’s guidance. Player fitness and availability will be vital for Simeone’s tactical plans.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ángel Correa	Muscle injury	Early January 2025
Alexander Sørloth	Head injury	Early January 2025

Atletico Madrid Tactics and Formation

Under Simeone, expect Atletico’s tactics to feature a dynamic attack with Julián Álvarez and Griezmann leading the charge. Midfield contributions from Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo De Paul will be crucial in disrupting Barcelona’s possession strategy. Defensively, Lenglet and Giménez offer solidity, with Oblak’s dependability in goal. Simeone’s strategies often emphasize high pressing and fast counter-attacks to challenge Barcelona’s defense. The roles of Marcos Llorente and Javi Galán add depth to these tactics. Integrating new talent like Conor Gallagher gives Simeone a variety of tactical options. Atlético will likely focus on disciplined defense supplemented by counterattacks.

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Head-to-Head Statistics

Barcelona has held a psychological edge over Atletico in recent face-offs, winning their last encounter 3-0 on Atletico’s home turf in March 2024. Though games between these two teams are tight, Barcelona tends to come out on top, winning all five of their recent meetings. Still, Atletico’s current good form poses a serious challenge, aiming to break this trend and capitalizing on their momentum.

Home	Away	Result
Atletico Madrid	Barcelona	0 – 3
Barcelona	Atletico Madrid	1 – 0
Barcelona	Atletico Madrid	1 – 0
Atletico Madrid	Barcelona	0 – 1
Barcelona	Atletico Madrid	4 – 2

Venue and Weather

The match in Spain promises excellent conditions for an exciting game. Expect the temperature to be a pleasant 11.55°C with mostly clear skies. This weather offers an ideal atmosphere for both players and spectators. A gentle breeze at 2.05 m/s won’t disrupt play, allowing teams to execute their strategies without environmental hindrance. The weather sets a neutral stage, with neither team gaining any weather-related advantage, leaving skill and tactics to decide the match’s outcome.