Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - La Liga Matchday 19 Preview - 12/2/2025

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid butt-heads in an early matchday 19 of La Liga this week to accommodate both team's participation in the Spanish Super Cup later on next year.

Barca are back in 1st place in La Liga once again after a victory last weekend preceding Real Madrid's serendipitous 1-1 draw to Girona just yesterday. The Catalans are 11-1-2 this season with 34 points and a current 4 game winning streak, overtaking the Royal Whites by just 1 point following the weekend's Spanish League fixtures. Atletico on the other hand, have won 7 straight in La Liga to achieve a 9-4-1 record with 31 points. This matchup will be a pivotal battle for 1st place, with the league virtually up for grabs between 4 different teams by the end of the week.

Barcelona take 1st place in the league once again after Real Madrid dropped points in a 1-1 draw to Girona yesterday. Following Barcelona's devastating 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League, the Catalans kept their cool in La Liga to earn their 4th straight win with a 3-1 victory over Alaves. Alaves punished Barcelona early with a 1' goal from Pablo Ibanez, but Barca's Lamine Yamal capitalized in the 8' to draw level. Barcelona's Dani Olmo netted his first brace of the season with goals in the 26' and 90+3' to secure the win for the Catalans. Barcelona truly dominated the match with 15 shots, 6 on target and 70% possession, before earning their deserved 1st place spot in the league for the time being once again, but Atletico will be daunting opponents.

While Real Madrid were the most formidable opponents Barcelona faced in the league to date, they've let points slip away with 3 straight draws to allow Atletico to drastically catch up. Rojiblancos have their sights set on the trophy as well this season, winning 7 straight in La Liga, and 7 straight in all competitions. After usurping Inter Milan 2-1 in the Champions League, Atletico comfortably snatched a 2-0 win over Oviedo in La Liga to earn their 9th victory of the season. Atleti's Alexander Sorloth struck early twice in the 16' and 26' to seal a brace and another 3 points as Atletico fired 11 shots and 7 on target past their 20th place opponents.

This major Spanish rivalry will be decisive in either giving Barcelona an extended lead over Atletico and Real, or for Atletico to possibly take 1st place tied for points with Barca if they win. The Catalans find themselves at brand new home stadium of the Camp Nou for their second match this season as they enter at -130 odds to win. Atletico are by no means heavy underdogs, as they come in with +290 odds to win, with a draw set at +320. While an under 3.5 goals is expected at -130 odds due to Atleti's low scoring games (27 goals for, 11 allowed), an over 3.5 is always on the plate with Barcelona's 39 goals for and 16 allowed.

Prepare for La Liga's El Otra Clasico between two of the top teams, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, with kick off set for 3 pm EST tomorrow (December 2). Check out the expected lineup for the game below:

Who will win?

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  Barcelona (-130)
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  Draw (+320)
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  Atletico Madrid (+290)