Barcelona out for Blood Against Atletico Madrid in Season’s First Big Clash

A mixture of revenge and reassertion. Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-final stage by Atletico Madrid last season, and the teams’ meeting in the fifth week of the season is a chance for Luis Enrique’s side to restore what they see as the natural order.

It was eighth-time lucky for Diego Simeone in that clash on April 13, with Atletico winning 2-0 to stun Barcelona, with his Asturian counterpart having emerged triumphant on the seven previous occasions they had faced off as coaches of their current clubs.

The first time they met was January 11, 2015, in a game that shaped Barcelona’s season. All three members of the MSN trio—Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar—scored, as the Catalans got their season back on track after a defeat by Real Sociedad that threatened to derail them for good.

Perhaps as a follow on from that game, Barcelona have played with a certain relish against Atletico, one necessary to deal with Simeone’s aggressive tactics and the high work-rate of his team.

There have been several memorable encounters, including a 3-2 win for Barcelona in Madrid that saw Arda Turan so enraged he flung his shoe at the linesman, before later joining his opponents.

Neymar has proven to be a source of provocation over the last couple of years for Atletico, and one of the likely points of interest on Wednesday will be their treatment of him.

The Brazilian came under fire last week for his flicks and tricks against Leganes as Barcelona won 5-1, but why shouldn’t he show off his skills?

Simeone thought the same, surprisingly praising the Barcelona forward, even for his extra-curricular activities like making his own song. Per Marca, he said: 

He is a player that I love, with personality. Everyone has their own style and he has his. [Spanish media] have criticised him for his private life, for the singing and dancing, but I love it. He responds to it where he needs to respond—on the pitch. Neymar is extraordinary because has gone to the Olympics and has won, taken a long vacation and still returned to Barcelona in perfect condition.

However, despite their coach’s praise, you can bet Juanfran and Diego Godin will be out …

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