All eyes will be on La Liga on Saturday, with league leaders Barcelona welcoming second-place Atlético Madrid to Camp Nou. At present these sides are looking like the only two with any realistic chance of competing for the league title, and it should be a thoroughly entertaining game. Barça head in top of the table on tiebreakers alone, though Luis Enrique's side does still have a game in hand. That only makes it all the more important Atléti pick up at least a point, as their Catalan hosts could quickly build an unassailable advantage.
Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch La Liga online
First meets second in La Liga on Saturday, with Barcelona hosting Atlético Madrid.
Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Barça certainly head into this match with the momentum: they've won seven matches on the bounce in all competitions. Atléti, on the other hand, have stuttered of late, following up a goalless draw at home to Sevilla by being dumped out of the Copa del Rey at the hands of Celta de Vigo. However, one imagines coach Diego Simeone shouldn't have too big a problem in motivating his troops for such an important fixture. Having only conceded eight goals in the league this season, Atléti have quite comfortably the best defensive record against the division. Against the most potent attack, they'll need to be on tip top form.
Key player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
One could highlight any member of Barcelona's potent front three, though this week we're opting the for the main man himself, Lionel Messi. He may have netted fewer goals than top scorer Luis Suárez so far this season, but the Argentine remains almost certainly the best footballer on the planet. Capable of ghosting past defenders at will, he's the man Barça will be looking to for an inspirational moment of genius if they're struggling to break the notoriously stubborn Atletico defense down.
Recent history
Despite Atléti's incredible success over the last few years, including a historic La Liga win a couple of seasons ago, Simeone's side have still tended to struggle against Barça in recent times. Their win in the 2014 Champions League was their first since 2010, while they haven't won away at Camp Nou since Feburary 2006. Only three players that featured that day are still playing for the same clubs: for Barcelona, Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta; and for Atléti, Fernando Torres (who scored two of his side's three goals in a 3-1 win).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha (knee). In doubt: Neymar, Jordi Alba (hamstring).
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Tiago (broken leg); Ángel Correa (suspended). In doubt: Fernando Torres (ankle).
Neither of these sides have any new injury concerns. Barcelona’s only confirmed absentee is midfielder Rafinha, though Neymar and Alba could return from hamstring problems. For Atléti, young attacker Correa is suspended and will join long-term layoff Tiago in the stands, while Torres is likely to miss out with an ankle problem.
Match date/time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); fuboTV (US)
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