Our experts bring you the best predictions, odds and betting analysis for Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid in LaLiga on 12/03/2023.
Sunday tests the mettle of two great rivals at Montjuïc, where Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid must prove they belong among the league leaders. The question remains whether Simeone can break his persistent poor run against Xavi and secure a valuable result away from home.
- Double Chance: Draw or Atlético de Madrid – 1.80 at bet365
- Will score in the second half: Barcelona – 1.53 at bet365
- Number of goals in the match: 2 or 3 – 2.00 at bet365
- Will score or assist: Antoine Griezmann – 2.10 at bet365
All odds courtesy of bet365, correct at the time of publication and subject to change
Exam in Montjuïc
The season has put Barcelona under pressure, making these encounters crucial for their ambitions. The team has won nine of ten league matches at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, with the sole setback coming in a Clasico defeat.
Barcelona has not posted more than two consecutive league victories since late September and has gone without a win in half of their six most recent fixtures. This means Culé supporters expect a stern test as they face Atlético de Madrid, a side riding a four-game winning streak that has yielded thirteen goals and included a Madrid derby triumph over their city rivals.
Since Xavi Hernández took charge, he has secured three wins in three attempts against Diego Simeone, yet Atlético’s solidity could return to form after the previous coaches faced by the Argentine boss in matches against Sergi Barjuán, Ronald Koeman and Quique Setién.
A close duel
Atlético has claimed 11 wins in its last 13 league matches, and while goals are likely, the hosts have often conceded at least one. Montjuïc has seen Atlético keep a clean sheet in five of their seven most recent away outings, underscoring a disciplined defensive profile.
Barça has shown notable effectiveness after the break, scoring in eight of ten home matches during the second half. In the last two away games, Atlético conceded all three of their goals after the 50th minute, highlighting the urgency for the visitors to start strong.
Forecasts point to a match with two or three goals, a pattern that has characterized four of Barcelona’s last Blaugrana home fixtures and four of Atlético’s six most recent away games. In the spotlight, Antoine Griezmann is in good form and will look to make a statement against his former club. He provided a breakthrough in his first return match and could be set to repeat that impact.
Griezmann remains a central figure in the race for the league’s top scorer, trading chances with Jude Bellingham in the competitive battle for the lead. If Marc-André ter Stegen misses time, Iñaki Peña would face increased pressure in goal as the favored replacement.
Note: This analysis is based on current form, head-to-head trends, and typical match dynamics observed in recent fixtures between these two teams.