Atletico Madrid receive boost ahead of Barcelona clash
A number of key players are set to return for Atletico ahead of the pivotal clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Barcelona need to respond to the 4-3 loss to Real Betis with a statement performance against Atletico Madrid in the next match. The loss to Betis was worrying considering it was at Camp Nou and Quique Setien’s side managed to beat them while playing in a similar style that highlighted some worrying defensive issues for the Catalans.
Los Colchoneros are currently one point behind in third place on goal difference, with Sevilla and Alaves waiting to take advantage of a slip-up from either team. In the last match, they came from 2-1 down against Athletic Bilbao to secure the unlikeliest of wins with injured centre-back Diego Godin scoring the winning goal as a makeshift centre-forward. They started the season with issues of their own as the summer signings took a while to fit in, but they are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run in the league.
The international break appears to have come at the right time for them because Thomas Lemar, Koke, Jose Gimenez and Lucas Hernandez should all be available against Barcelona, according to Sport. They are all key players for Atleti so this is a huge boost for Diego Simeone ahead of what is likely to be a tight, well-contested clash.
Godin is out injured so having Gimenez back helps them significantly in reinforcing the defence and Lucas is a versatile option in that he can play centrally or as left-back. Thomas Lemar adds a wide threat through his crossing and dribbling ability while also being able to drift and combine in central areas.
Koke is the key returnee, though, due to the amount of responsibility he has. He averages the highest amount of passes per game with 64.8 as well as the second highest amount of key passes with 1.9, per WhoScored, so they need him to help build sustained periods of pressure as well as providing the tools to unlock a defence. His versatility means he can play as a wide midfielder which is an integral part of the defensive shape due to how he helps block passing lanes, breaks up play and tracks back to ensure the full-back isn’t isolated.
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Barcelona will be without Ivan Rakitic for the match due to suspension while he also picked up an injury on international duty. Arturo Vidal is the favourite to replace him due to the similarity in skillsets, although he could be fatigued due to travelling to Chile for two friendlies during the break. Whoever replaces the Croatian will have the important task of supporting the right-back, breaking up opposition counters, retaining possession as well as circulating it to the forwards and maintaining a presence on the right flank when Lionel Messi drifts centrally.
The return of these Atletico players certainly doesn’t ease Barcelona’s task, but they have the attacking firepower to break through Atletico’s strong defensive shape. It just depends on whether the midfield is willing to put in the necessary work-rate as well as whether the defence can avoid making silly errors.