Atletico Madrid is probably the only club this season that has denied Barca victory every time the two teams have met. Barca came back from a two goal deficit only to blow a two goal lead after Atletico managed to level things 4-4 in the last minutes.
Why Barca has an advantage
Atletico will be coming into this game after having been knocked out of the Champions League by their arch-rivals Real Madrid. After the controversial loss, the team is likely to be demotivated and low in confidence. Barca also have a game in hand which gives them a physiological advantage. The pressure will be on Atletico to get 3 points from this game to close the gap to Barca on top of the table.
How to prevent Atletico’s low-block
Atletico Madrid’s pragmatic playstyle has caused Barca many problems this season. Diego Simeone’s low-block structure has forced Barca to commit many players forward to score. This leaves massive space behind, which Atletico’s runners exploit. Simeone’s men have managed to score on Barca using this tactic six times this season. After scoring, Atletico Madrid parks the bus and makes it difficult for the opposition to score.
This is one reason why Barca must take an early lead in this game. Taking the lead would pressure Atletico to get an equalizer and end the match with at least one point. Atletico would then be forced to play a more balanced playstyle, which risks giving Barca the space they need to add to the lead.
Araujo instead of Inigo?
A change required, in my opinion, is to play Ronald Araujo instead of Inigo Martinez. Cubarsi can move to the left centre-back while Araujo occupies the right. Diego Simeone’s team constantly launches long balls for their runners to catch Barca off guard. Araujo is a very fast and strong defender who can track back quickly and put a stop to Atletico’s counterattacks. Inigo Martinez, although an experienced Veteran and offside master, does not have the speed and intensity of Ronald Araujo in his age.
Frenkie de Jong or Marc Casado?
Frenkie de Jong was in the starting lineup over Marc Casado in the previous clash between these two sides. Both the midfielders have their pros but also abilities where they have the edge over the other. Frankie de Jong is an excellent ball carrier and a master at progressing the ball under pressure. Marc Casado is a solid CDM who distributes the ball well but also immediately shuts down any signs of a counterattack. So who should be the first choice?
In my opinion, Frenkie de Jong should play over Marc Casado, and there’s a reason why. Barca needs to get a lead as quickly as possible in this match, and to achieve that, Frenkie’s ball progression will be crucial against Atletico’s aggressive pressing and low block. After Barca gets a comfortable lead, Flick should bring on Marc Casado to replace Dani Olmo. Casado will ensure a similar scenario to the 4-4 draw doesn’t materialize. The young maestro will close down on players planning to launch a counterattack and give Barca more defensive solidity. Frenkie will stay on the pitch and help Barca retain possession.
Ferran or Lewandowski?
Ferran Torres did not have the best of games vs Atletico last time as Lewandowski came on from the bench to score. Robert Lewandowski should certainly start this game as the main striker as he can be more clinical than Ferran. However, after a comfortable lead is acquired, Flick should bring on Ferran as he is a great super sub. Ferran also presses better than the Posh striker which will provide Barca with defensive security and make things difficult for Atletico to progress the ball.
In conclusion, this is a must-win match for Hansi Flick and his men to strengthen their title hopes and put up a statement after finally defeating Atletico this season. Another Pedri masterclass will be crucial to Barca’s success as if always the case.