Atletico Madrid v Barcelona - Match preview and odds

20:30pm - Estadio Vicente Calderón

It may be only the third game of the season but the Saturday’s clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona could play an important part in this year’s title race.

Early test for both teams

The last two winners of the Spanish Primera Liga title will go head-to-head in Madrid on Saturday with each team keen to lay down a marker at this early stage in the season.

Barcelona won the corresponding fixture last year by just a single goal in the penultimate game of the season. The three points proved to be crucial for the Catalan team as they held off Real Madrid to become La Liga champions for the fifth time in the last seven seasons.

A poor run of games at the end of last season left Diego Simeone’s team 16 points adrift of their rivals and just a single point ahead of fourth -placed Valencia. However, after making some shrewd signings in this summer’s transfer window, the team from Madrid could once again be challenging their wealthier rivals for the league title come May.

Since that defeat in May, the home side have gone 10 games unbeaten in all competitions including pre-season friendly matches.

Barcelona lost three times during pre-season and also went down 0-4 to Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup final. Coach Luis Enrique will be attempting to avoid any further upsets after enjoying a trophy-laden debut season at the helm.

Betting odds and tips

With two 1-0 wins under their belt so far, the Blaugrana have gained maximum points this season without performing at their best. Their gruelling summer schedule took its toll on the team and they have yet to show their best form.

Atletico have also gained six points in their opening two games but are ahead of their opponents on goal difference. A convincing 3-0 away win against Sevilla in their last game will have left them in confident mood ahead of this encounter.

The 13/10 available for a Barcelona win from bet365 may be one of the best prices you will get all season. The Catalonians have not lost to their hosts in the league since 2010 - a run stretching back 11 games. During that spell they have won a total of eight games and drawn three. The last five league meetings between the two sides in Madrid have resulted in four away wins and a draw. Lionel Messi bagged three goals for Argentina during the international break and can be backed at 10/7 to score anytime with unibet.

Go To bet365

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12/09/2015     © Frixo 2024