Atletico have won four in a row in all competitions, winning the Copa del Rey 2:0 against Oviedo midweek. Going into this match, only the rumors of Joao Felix’s move can spoil the mood for the players and fans, while the standings avoid distractions. For 15 rounds the Indians have eight victories and three peaceful outcomes, which corresponds to 27 points and the fourth position. From the duo of leaders, the distance is already 11 points, while several opponents are stepping on their heels at once, which does not give them the right to make a mistake. Traditionally, the defensive line looks powerful, while the team scored 23 times. Diego Simeone may be worried about the fate of this meeting as his personal win rate in head-to-head duels is 16% in all competitions, which is the worst result against any single club in Spain. Today Hermoso will not be able to help the team, he has a red card.
Barcelona needed extra time to beat Intercity during the midweek Copa del Rey game. However, such failures in the game regularly happen to the team, when the players and the coach underestimated the representative of the fifth division in Spain. However, before this fight, the Catalans stumbled in the derby with Espanyol (1:1). This left manager Xavi feeling “embarrassed” not only for their title race, but also for a match his club won only once in their last five attempts against fellow countrymen. However, there is hope for success in this duel, since the “blue garnet” did not lose in four face-to-face meetings with the capital club when they met in the first calendar game of the year. Moreover, Barca have only lost once away in this competition, although that defeat came in Madrid. Alba and Lewandowski, who has a red card, will not be able to play today.
