Barcelona journey to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid as they give the impression of being to reclaim their place on the high of the desk from Actual Madrid.
Los Blancos provisionally went forward of them after securing a 3-0 victory over Valencia, and Barça have to win to maintain up the stress.
Nonetheless, Diego Simeone has a harmful weapon at his disposal. In keeping with S, Julian Alvarez has loved large success in opposition to Barcelona.
The Catalans have emerged because the Argentine striker’s best opponents since becoming a member of the Spanish membership.
Alvarez has repeatedly punished Barcelona
Alvarez has registered 4 objectives and two assists in 9 appearances in opposition to Barça, scoring in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
The 26-year-old has additionally scored 4 objectives every in opposition to Actual Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, however his six purpose contributions in opposition to Barcelona stay his highest tally.
Julian Alvarez was closely linked with a transfer to Barcelona. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photos)
His most devastating performances got here final season, when Atletico eradicated Barcelona from each the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
Alvarez discovered the again of the online within the 4-0 Copa del Rey victory on the Metropolitano earlier than scoring a spectacular free-kick within the 2-0 Champions League victory at Camp Nou.
He had additionally scored twice in opposition to Barça within the 2024/25 season, however Flick’s males emerged victorious on each events.
A well-recognized face with an attention-grabbing Barcelona connection
What makes Sunday’s reunion notably attention-grabbing is what transpired over the summer season.
Alvarez was b, and Barcelona had made him their dream goal all alongside.
Nonetheless, Atletico remained resolute of their choice to not promote him at any value and ended up conserving him.
Barcelona ought to cease the 26-year-old from including to his tally in opposition to them. (Photograph by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Photos)
This unsurprisingly noticed the 26-year-old endure an inconsistent begin to the marketing campaign earlier than exhibiting indicators of enchancment lately.
His motion between the traces and skill to use the area behind Flick’s aggressive defensive position may trigger issues for Barcelona.
With Rodri unavailable, the Catalans will probably be lacking considered one of their foremost midfield stars, which may see them lose some management in opposition to Atletico.
In his absence, both Frenkie de Jong or Marc Bernal may find yourself beginning in midfield. Atletico ought to attempt to exploit this space.
Barcelona should guarantee they don’t give Atletico Madrid’s attackers an excessive amount of freedom, and it stays to be seen how the sport pans out.