Fueled by their recent triumphs over Italian adversaries in the Champions League, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are set to clash this weekend in the Spanish league.
Barcelona is in dire need of a win to maintain their slim hopes of retaining the domestic title. With only 10 rounds remaining, Xavi Hernández’s squad sits in third place, trailing Girona by just one point and Real Madrid by eight.
Meanwhile, Atlético finds itself embroiled in a battle to secure a top-four finish, crucial for ensuring participation in Europe’s elite tournament next season. Currently, occupying fourth place, Atlético holds a slim two-point advantage over a formidable Athletic Bilbao side, which recently defeated Diego Simeone’s men in the Copa del Rey semifinals.
The clash between Atlético and Barcelona is scheduled for Sunday at the Metropolitano Stadium, with Atlético riding high following their dramatic comeback against Inter Milan to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals.
In their second-leg match on Thursday, Inter had a 2-0 aggregate lead until Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay scored, forcing extra time and eventually penalties. Jan Oblak’s heroics in the shootout propelled Atlético past last year’s finalist.
Meanwhile, Barcelona secured their first Champions League knockout tie victory in four years by defeating Napoli 4-2 on aggregate, following a 3-1 win on Tuesday. The Catalan giants have been undefeated in nine matches since Xavi announced in late January that he will not continue next season. During this period, Barcelona has won six and drawn three across all competitions.
However, perhaps the most encouraging development for the financially troubled Barcelona is the continued emergence of promising young talents from their renowned training academy.
Seventeen-year-old central defender Pau Cubarsí impressed in his European debut, earning the man of the match accolade against Napoli.
Additionally, 20-year-old Fermin López stepped up in the absence of injured midfielders Pedri González and Frenkie de Jong, scoring against Napoli. Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal also showcased his potential, remaining a constant threat from the right wing.
