Barca Blaugranes - La Liga: Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2013-05-12T21:00:26+02:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/40875312013-05-12T21:00:26+02:002013-05-12T21:00:26+02:00La Liga: Barcelona 2-1 Atletico: Match Review
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<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
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<p>A recap of Barcelona's 2-1 win over Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon, as goals from Alexis Sanchez and Gabi (OG) were enough to secure the three points</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> needed a little luck to seal the three points, but fought back from a goal deficit, and a man disadvantage to secure a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon. Falcao had put the hosts ahead on 51 minutes after a number of mistakes from the Barcelona defense, but Alexis Sánchez’ equaliser on 72 minutes and Gabi’s own goal on 80 minutes ensured that the points would go to the Blaugrana – even if <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> had been forced off through injury in the second-half.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Atletico</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Barcelona</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Possession</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>42%</b></p>
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<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>58%</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Total Shots</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>12</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>11</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Shots on Target</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>2</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>3</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Pass Accuracy</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>82%</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>90%</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Fouls</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>18</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>11</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>3</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>1</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Yellow Cards</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>1</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>2</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Red Cards</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Even with the league title in the bag, <span>Tito Vilanova</span> went with a strong starting XI for tonight’s visit to Madrid as Lionel Messi returned from injury to make his first La Liga start in over a month. Messi was joined in attack by in-form Alexis Sánchez, and talented youngster Cristian Tello, while Cesc Fàbregas started in midfield alongside Andrés Iniesta and <span>Alex Song</span>. Adriano was preferred to <span>Marc Bartra</span> at centre-half and of course Jose Manuel Pinto started in goal as Victor Valdés missed out with a foot injury. Would the Blaugrana move one win closer to Real Madrid’s 100 point record, or would that dream end tonight at the hands of Atletico Madrid?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">As one might have expected after last night’s events at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/espanyol">Espanyol</a>, neither side started the match with a particular sense of urgency – there was a real "end of season" feel at the Vicente Calderon. However, in spite of that, Barcelona started in their usual fashion, keeping the ball, chipping away at the Atleti defense, who were penned back in their own defensive third for the majority of the opening 15 minutes. Rather predictably though, it was the hosts who would register the first shot of the match.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">All afternoon, and indeed all month, there have been rumours circulating that Falcao is on the verge of a move to newly-promoted Monaco, and could then leave Monaco in a year’s time for a switch to Real Madrid – or at least that’s how the story goes. Despite those rumours, Falcao continues to start for Atleti, and with good reason too. Simeone may be resigned to losing the Colombian this summer, but there’s no reason to lose his talents now – not against Barcelona, and certainly not with a Copa del Rey final on the horizon. There’s a reason why Falcao is so highly thought of in the football world, and he was looking to prove it again tonight; creating a chance out of nothing with wonderful movement, before forcing a save out of Pinto with eight minutes on the clock. It may have been a straight-forward stop for the veteran keeper, but it was also a warning sign from Falcao.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Lionel Messi responded with a shot of his own – a free-kick – but again, the keeper (this time <span>Thibaut Courtois</span>) had no trouble making the save. The Argentine then turned creator, finding the run of Cristian Tello with a superb through ball – only for the winger to be denied by a fantastic recovery challenge from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110940/diego-godin">Diego Godin</a>. The Atletico defense has been in excellent form all season long, so it was no real surprise to see Godin made a terrific intervention, even against the speed of Tello.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a> was forced off with a little under five minutes remaining in the first-half (reportedly) with a back injury – prompting Tito Vilanova to reshuffle the backline. There was no <span>Martin Montoya</span> on the bench tonight, so Adriano shifted to the right-hand side of defense and Marc Bartra replaced Alves, taking Adriano’s place at the heart of defense. Despite that change, Atleti still couldn’t take control of the game, and in fact, Barcelona created the best chance of the half, as Alexis Sánchez picked out Tello, who came within inches of gifting the Blaugrana the lead with a trademark curling effort.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Few chances, no goals, and very little intensity in the first-half at the Vicente Calderon. Perhaps the second-half would provide a little entertainment?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">For the opening 45 minutes, the makeshift Barcelona defense had held its own against the Atleti attack, restricting Falcao and company to just one shot on target; but when the opposing team has players as talented as the likes of Falcao and Adrian, sometimes one chance is all they need. With the Barcelona defense in shambles, Atletico capitalised on their first chance of the second-half to take the lead, as Falcao stabbed the ball past Pinto following a through-ball from Gabi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona responded with a double change – Alex Song and Adriano were taken off for <span>Sergio Busquets</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a> respectively – as Tito looked to salvage something from this match. Unfortunately though, it appeared as though this wasn’t going to be Barcelona’s night. Not only had Alves been forced off through injury, but now Lionel Messi was struggling as well, and he took his place on the bench soon after Barça made their final substitution, meaning that the Blaugrana were going to have to finish this match with ten men.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">No problem.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Alexis Sánchez had worked hard all game long on the right-hand side of attack, only to be foiled by a combination of good defending and poor passing – however, his hard work paid off eventually as Alexis exchanged passes with Cesc Fàbregas and poked the ball past Courtois in a similar fashion to Falcao’s opener. With a little under twenty minutes remaining at the Vicente Calderon, Barcelona were level – and thanks to Alexis’ fifth goal in his past six La Liga appearances, the Blaugrana had scored in their 27<sup>th</sup> successive away match: another new La Liga record.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">And it was about to get worse for Atletico; Falcao was no longer on the field, having been withdrawn four minutes before Sánchez’ goal and even with a man advantage, they couldn’t find a way to threaten Pinto in the Barça goal. Maybe they had relaxed a little too much after Messi left the field of play, maybe the injury inspired Barcelona to raise their game; whatever it was, this match had been turned on its head as David Villa’s shot was inadvertently deflected into the back of the net by Gabi. It was a calamitous goal to concede – probably one we would expect to see at the other end of the field – but ultimately, it didn’t matter how the goal was scored, or who scored it; the only thing that mattered was the scoreline as Barcelona looked to be headed for their 29<sup>th</sup> victory of the season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Atletico fought back, and could have claimed a point if not for an impressive save from Jose Manuel Pinto, who sprung to his right to deny Diego Costa an equaliser. It wasn’t the most impressive performance, but it was enough. Barcelona had won again, and were still on course for a record-breaking end to the season. Until next time, Visca el Barça!</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/5/12/4324466/la-liga-atletico-madrid-1-2-fc-barcelona-match-reviewArron Duckling2013-05-12T18:31:43+02:002013-05-12T18:31:43+02:00Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona: Live Game Thread
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<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>Live game thread for the La Liga game between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona.</p> <div align="center">La Liga: Jornada 35<br>Kickoff: Saturday, 12 May 2013; 19:00 CET<br>Vicente Calderón, Madrid<br>Referee: Pedro Jesús Pérez Montero</div>
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<p>Line-ups:</p>
<div align="justify">Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): <span>Thibaut Courtois</span>; Juanfran, Diego Godín, João Miranda, Emiliano Insúa; Tiago Mendes, Arda Turan; Koke, Adrián López, Gabi; Radamel Falcao</div>
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<p>Substitutes: Sergio Asenjo, Filipe Luís, Cata Díaz, Raúl García, Cristian Rodríguez, Oliver, Diego Costa</p>
<p>FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> (4-3-3): Jose Manuel Pinto; Dani Alves, Adriano Correia, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a>, <span>Jordi Alba</span>; <span>Alex Song</span>, Andres Iniesta, <span>Cesc Fabregas</span>; Alexis Sanchez, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, Cristian Tello</p>
<p>Substitutes: Jordi Masip, <span>Marc Bartra</span>, <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, Thiago Alcantara, Xavi Hernandez, Pedro, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a></p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/5/12/4323866/la-liga-atletico-madrid-vs-fc-barcelona-live-game-threadBostjan Cernensek2013-05-12T10:45:25+02:002013-05-12T10:45:25+02:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Atletico: Predict the Score
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<figcaption>Jasper Juinen</figcaption>
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<p>A chance to predict the score of tonight's La Liga clash between champions Barcelona, and third-place Atletico Madrid</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Newly-crowned La Liga champions, FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> travel to Madrid tonight, where they will square off against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon. Having won the La Liga crown back from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> last night, the Blaugrana will receive a traditional guard of honour at today's game and <span>Tito Vilanova's</span> side will surely be looking to demonstrate why they became Champions by defeating Atleti in their own backyard. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> has trained normally with the rest of the squad this week, and could make his first La Liga start in over a month while <span>Sergio Busquets</span> may also be back in contention after his hernia problem restricted his minutes in the past few matches. Victor Valdes, <span>Eric Abidal</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol">Carles Puyol</a> all miss out through injury; but Barcelona will be confident regardless of their lengthy injury list - they are the Champions after all. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And, provided Barcelona can defeat Atletico Madrid tonight, a few records may be within reach. With four wins from their remaining four matches, Barca can match the points record set by Real Madrid last season, and with four more goals in his last few appearances in this season's La Liga, Lionel Messi could at least match his record for goals scored in a single campaign. So, while the title may be secure, there's still everything to play for in the coming weeks. Will Barcelona be able to claim another three points, or will Falcao and Atletico Madrid be able to rain on Barca's parade? Predict the score of tonight's match by voting in our poll below, and commenting with your prediction. Best of luck!</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/5/12/4323494/la-liga-atletico-madrid-vs-fc-barcelona-predict-the-scoreArron Duckling2013-05-11T23:31:53+02:002013-05-11T23:31:53+02:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Atletico: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Harold Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of Barcelona's trip to Madrid, where they will face Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in a match that could clinch the title for the Blaugrana</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> can secure the La Liga title tomorrow, provided that they can escape the Vicente Calderon with a win against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. For much of the season, Atleti looked as though they had the talent to even threaten <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> and challenge for second-place, but a 2-1 defeat at home to Los Blancos two weeks ago all but ended those hopes before last weekend’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Deportivo La Coruna virtually confirmed that Simeone’s side would finish the season in third place. <i>Los Colchoneros </i>bounced back with a victory on Wednesday night, as an inspirational performance from Diego Costa secured a valuable three points against relegation-threatened <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/celta-vigo">Celta Vigo</a>. Star striker Falcao may be destined for an exit in the summer, but with five goals in his last five matches, the Colombian is in a rich vein of form – and will surely fancy his chances against a shaky Barcelona defense. Can Falcao fire Atletico to a historic victory over the Blaugrana and deny the Catalans the opportunity to secure their 22<sup>nd</sup> La Liga title in Madrid, or will <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> return to the starting XI and drag Barça to the title with another virtuoso display against Atleti?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>TEAM NEWS</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>BARCELONA</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">As mentioned above, Lionel Messi has shaken off his hamstring injury and therefore could move into contention for a place in the starting XI for the first time since the 30<sup>th</sup> March, when Messi started (and inevitably scored) against Celta Vigo. Despite Messi’s injury, the Blaugrana have won four of their last five La Liga matches and in that time, Alexis Sánchez has scored four goals and assisted five others. Despite claims to the contrary, Barça have for the most part, functioned well without their superstar forward – and with Leo in the side? Well, it’s almost unfair.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In 31 La Liga appearances this season, Messi has scored 46 goals and played a part in a further 14. That’s a total of 60 goals, nearly <i>two per appearance </i>or a goal every <i>43 minutes</i>. In just 35 minutes last weekend, Lionel Messi scored twice, and hit the woodwork – demonstrating that he is still the best player in Europe, despite his goalless display against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Anyway, back to the team news for tomorrow’s match, and as Bostjan reported in the news today, both <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/5/11/4321154/fc-barcelona-news-11-may-2013-victor-valdes-and-eric-abidal-to-miss">Victor Valdés and Eric Abidal are set to miss the trip to Madrid</a> through injury. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a> has returned to training as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury sustained against PSG, but will not feature tomorrow.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">With Valdés injured, Jose Manuel Pinto will start in goal for the second successive week and B team keeper Jordi Masip will therefore take Pinto’s usual place on the Barça bench. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a> should start at right-back, with Gerard Piqué and <span>Marc Bartra</span> likely to start in the centre of defense. While Adriano got the nod last weekend, he was arguably at fault for Betis’ opening goal – and plus, what’s the problem with starting an actual centre-half alongside another actual centre-half? Regardless of Tito’s choice of partner for Gerard Piqué, <span>Jordi Alba</span> will start at left-back to make his 26<sup>th</sup> appearance in what has been a very successful debut La Liga campaign for Alba with the Blaugrana.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span>Sergio Busquets</span> has been named in the squad for tomorrow’s match, but I don’t see him starting this one – while Messi’s been playing upwards of 30 minutes in the past couple of matches, Busquets has seen very little time at all. <span>Alex Song</span> has been performing relatively well in his absence and as a result, there is pretty much no reason to rush Busi back into the action and risk another injury. Both Xavi and birthday boy, Andrés Iniesta, started last weekend’s win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/real-betis">Real Betis</a>, and this is another big game for the club, so I expect the duo to start again tomorrow night, even if both Thiago and Cesc Fàbregas are in contention for a starting berth.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Lionel Messi will probably start (although equally, he may start on the bench, if Real Madrid cannot complete their comeback against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/espanyol">Espanyol</a> [score was 1-1 at the time of publish] and therefore gift Barcelona the title a night early) and if that’s the case, then there’s only room for two other players in the Barça attack. Alexis Sánchez must be guaranteed a role after his recent run of form, and Pedro has only just returned from what sounded like a nasty illness. As a result, I doubt he is in condition to start and complete the 90 minutes at the Vicente Calderon, meaning that the final place is between Cristian Tello, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a>. Unlike El Guaje, Tello didn’t score last weekend, but with Villa edging ever closer to an exit from the Camp Nou, it’s possible that Tito won’t want to start the veteran Spaniard – after all, these final weeks aren’t just about securing the La LIga title, but also planning for the future. If Messi doesn’t start, Cesc Fàbregas would be the obvious choice – either way, I find it tough to envisage a start for David Villa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>ATLETICO MADRID</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Real Madrid left Mesut Ozil and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> on the bench for tonight’s match against Espanyol, presumably with one eye on Friday’s Copa del Rey final. Will Atletico Madrid follow suit and rest a few key players ahead of their first Copa final in three years? <span>Thibaut Courtois</span> (linked with Barcelona, and set to claim his first Zamora trophy in the coming weeks) has missed training this week, but has recovered in time to make Simeone’s final eighteen man squad – along with B team midfielder Óliver Torres, who starred in Spain’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship triumph this past summer alongside the likes of Gerard Deulofeu and Alejandro Grimaldo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>FORM GUIDE</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona: WWLDLW</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Atletico: WWLWDW</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LAST MEETING</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">FC Barcelona 4-1 Atletico Madrid – 16<sup>th</sup> December 2012 – La Liga</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Falcao put the visitors ahead on 31 minutes, but Barcelona fought back, equalised just five minutes later through Adriano and took the lead before half-time courtesy of Sergio Busquets. A Lionel Messi brace secured the three points and sent out an ominous warning to the rest of La Liga.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LIKELY LINE-UPS</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto; Alves, Piqué, Bartra, Alba; Song, Xavi, Iniesta; Sánchez, Messi, Tello</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Atletico (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Garcia; Koke, Diego Costa, Turan; Falcao</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>MATCH PREDICTION</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I’m going to venture on the optimistic side and go for a 3-1 Barcelona win</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/5/11/4322422/la-liga-atletico-madrid-vs-fc-barcelona-match-previewArron Duckling