Match Day review: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

La Liga returns this weekend from the international break with leaders Barcelona visiting third placed Atletico Madrid. Barcelona travel to the Wand Metropolitana with just one point ahead of Roji Blancos which is shaping up to be one of the tightest league race in decades.

At this time in the 2017-18 season, Barcelona were four points off the table and 10 points ahead of Atletico Madrid. Well this time, the story is a bit different with small guns like Alaves and Espanyol blazing into the top four; it has become much difficult for the Barcelona and Madrid to maintain their games.

Ernesto Valverde’s side visit Atleti on Saturday, and if they lose, they could end up as low as fourth by the end of the weekend with Real Madrid certainly back into the title race by a win. If they win, the would consolidate their position on the top of the table. Meanwhile, a draw, perhaps the most likely outcome given how well the two sides match, would leave things in the balance.

Barca could well have dropped to second by kick off on Saturday, as surprise package Alaves will jump to the top of the table should they win at Leganes in Friday evening’s game. Underdogs Sevilla FC may have a chance to go top themselves by beating Valladolid on Sunday afternoon. The Catalans have won three of the last six outings, with the other three ending in 1-1 draws. Only once in Barca and Atleti’s last 11 meetings has either side won by more than a goal. This fixture is really going to be tight. Barcelona lost their last outing before the international break 4-3 against Real Betis while Atletico Madrid won 3-2 against Athletic Bilbao.