Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in La Liga’s top-of-the-table clash at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening.
The Catalans overtook Real Madrid at the summit with a 3-1 victory over Alaves on Saturday.
Atleti defeated Real Oviedo 2-0, extending their winning streak to seven games in all competitions.
Match preview
Barcelona can establish a four-point gap at the top of the standings with a win.
They have fared better in the league recently, thanks in part to the return of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Dani Olmo from injuries.
Barcelona are the league’s top-scoring side (39 goals). However, defensive lapses remain a concern.
Atletico are La Liga’s most in-form team, and a victory would put them on par with Barcelona’s points tally.
They rank third in goals scored (27), but boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded 11 times, five fewer than Barcelona.
Although they collected just nine points from six away games, they will fancy their chances against the hosts.
Barcelona are the favourites, and their attacking prowess could help them maintain their unbeaten home form.
Head-to-head
There have been 246 meetings between the two clubs. Barcelona have 112 wins, Atletico 77, while 57 have ended in draws.
Team news
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned to training, but Gavi and Fermin Lopez are ruled out. Ronaldo Araujo is also doubtful.
Atletico are without Marcos Llorente, and Robin Le Normand is also unlikely to be involved in this clash.
Key players
Barcelona
Lamine Yamal: Has scored or assisted in each of his last four league games.
Pedri: The brilliant midfielder returned from injury against Alaves and is in contention to start this fixture.
Atleti
Julian Alvarez: Leads the squad for most league goals (seven) and goal involvements (nine).
Giuliano Simeone: Ranks second in the squad for most goal involvements (six).
Stats from transfermarkt.com, who scored.com & sofascore.com.
