Barcelona resume their La Liga title defence on Saturday away to last season’s third place finishers, Atlético Madrid. Luis Enrique’s side have a solid start to the new season -- winning both of their opening couple of games against Athletic Bilbao and Málaga 1-0 -- but they still look like they’ve not quite clicked into place. However, they’ll have to make sure they’re back to their best in time for this game at the Calderón, as Atléti certainly won’t be taking any prisoners.
Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Barcelona will be looking for an improvement when they take on title rivals Atlético Madrid on Saturday.
David Ramos/Getty Images
Diego Simeone’s physical outfit sit level on points with Barça after the opening couple of matches, though they’ve been rather more impressive. Admittedly, they only won 1-0 over Las Palmas on the opening matchday of the campaign, but followed that up with a 3-0 win away at Sevilla last time out. Given the strength of Unai Emery’s side, that’s no mean feat. They’ll be looking to do the same again on Saturday, and given the form book, it wouldn’t be such a stupid bet.
Key player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi is still the best player on the planet, and still the man that opposition defences must fear the most. In this match, Atléti full-back Filipe Luís will likely be the unfortunate man tasked with trying to keep Messi quiet, though the responsibility will doubtless be passed to centre-back Diego Godín when the Argentine looks to dance in off the right flank. Messi’s movement and skill on the ball is breathtaking, and Simeone’s defence can’t afford to give him any space at all.
When they last met
These sides last met at the Calderón in May, when Barcelona picked up a 1-0 victory to be crowned Spanish champions with a week to spare. A close game was eventually decided by a Lionel Messi winner with 65 minutes left on the clock, with new Chelsea signing Pedro laying on the assist. Atlético Madrid certainly had their chances, but it was the visitors that proved the more clinical.
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Tiago (thigh).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Douglas (hamstring), Dani Alves (groin), Claudio Bravo (calf), Gerard Piqué (suspended). In doubt: Sergi Roberto (match fitness)
Atléti look likely to head into the match with a full-strength team available: their only injury concern is over central midfielder Tiago, who was withdrawn from training in midweek as a precautionary measure. Barcelona are in a rather less salubrious state, with full-backs Dani Alves and Douglas, centre-back Gerard Piqué and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo all set to miss out.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 3/HD (U.K.)
Online: Fubo TV (U.S.), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (U.S. and Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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