Spanish La Liga
2025-03-16 - Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
A Sports Betting Pick by Gladiator
Football: Spanish La Liga - Round 28
Metropolitano Stadium (Madrid), Spain
Sunday, 16th March 2025 - Kick Off 21:00 CET
Atletico Madrid
With their controversial UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid now behind them, Atletico Madrid can fully focus on their La Liga title push. Locked in an intense three-way battle with their city rivals and Barcelona, Diego Simeone’s side has a golden chance to leapfrog the Catalans and move two points ahead with a victory.
After a hard-fought 2-1 win at Camp Nou earlier in the season, Atletico now have the opportunity to complete their first league double over Barcelona since 2005/06. They will take confidence from their imperious home form, remaining unbeaten in La Liga at the Metropolitano this season.
This marks Atletico Madrid's best home start to a campaign since 2017/18, further proving their strength in front of their fans. However, history is not entirely on their side, as Simeone has struggled in managerial H2Hs against Barcelona, winning just 16% of their encounters.
Barcelona
Unlike their hosts, Barcelona enjoyed a successful Champions League midweek, comfortably dispatching Benfica 4-1 on aggregate to book their place in the quarter-finals. Now, with a game in hand and sitting atop La Liga, Hansi Flick’s men are well aware that maintaining momentum in the league is crucial as they chase their second title since 2018/19.
Their recent form suggests they are up to the challenge, having won six consecutive league matches after previously managing just one victory in their prior eight. While the Metropolitano is a notoriously difficult place to visit, Barcelona have found success in Madrid in recent years, going unbeaten in their last three away league matches against teams from the Spanish capital. Flick will ensure he does not become the first-ever Barcelona manager to lose his first two league encounters against Atletico.
The Betting Verdict
Both teams are coming off contrasting European nights, but Atletico’s formidable home form gives them an edge. Barcelona are in excellent domestic form, yet a trip to the Metropolitano is always a challenge.
With Simeone’s side eager to bounce back from their European disappointment, backing Atletico to avoid defeat seems a solid option.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
