The time has come for the big game of the day at the Metropolitano. Barça visit Atlético Madrid in a direct duel for the leadership that Real Madrid currently occupy. Hansi Flick’s side are in great form and hope to continue that with their seventh consecutive league win. The Azulgranas are unbeaten in 2025 and want to stay that way to progress towards the treble.
The Catalans did not play their last league game against Osasuna as it was postponed due to the death of Dr. Carles Miñarro. Despite this, they maintained first place thanks to a 2025 in which they are unbeaten after 17 games played. Barça did play in the Champions League this week, qualifying for the quarter finals with a convincing win over Benfica thanks to a Raphinha brace and a Lamine Yamal who joined the party with a goal and a magical assist.
Hansi Flick will field a very recognizable Barça starting eleven. In fact, it is expected to be the same one he fielded against Benfica, with the exception of Ronald Araújo, who in principle would drop out of the starting eleven to make way for Pau Cubarsí. The young center back was unable to play on Tuesday because of the direct red card he received in the first leg in Lisbon.
Flick, with everything
Against Atlético, Flick will be able to count on Pau Cubarsí again, who missed the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie after receiving a straight red card. So, except for the long-term absences of Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, as well as Christensen, the German coach will be able to field his best eleven to be even more of a leader at the Metropolitano.
Barça will start with their wall between the sticks, Szczesny, with Jules Koundé on the right wing and Balde on the left. In the center of defense, the Curbasí-Iñigo Martínez pairing. In the defensive pivot, Casadó is expected to be present, backed up by the magic of Pedri and Dani Olmo. Up front the most lethal trident in the world: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski.
Barça line-up
Goalkeeper: Szczesny
Defenders: Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde
Midfielders: Pedri, Casadó, Olmo
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha