Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Live Stream and Highlights
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Preview:
Date: May 12, 2013; Time: 6:00 PM BST;
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderón — Madrid.
Vilanova’s team will try to get their 22nd La Liga title with a win over Atletico. The Catalan giants can win their 4th Primera Division trophy in five years. Atlético have a great home record, but they will keep one eye on the Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid next week.
Atletico Madrid goes 3rd in La Liga table with 72 points from 35 games, winning 22, drawing 6 and losing 7 so far this season. Los Colchoneros are 8 points behind 2nd-placed Real Madrid. Their present form has seen W,L,W,D,W from last five games. Last five home matches los Rojiblancos have finished with W,L,D,W,L. Atlético managed a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo in midweek. But, Atletico have won just 1 of their last 4 home games in La Liga. Los Colchoneros heave the best defensive record in the Spanish Primera Division. Radamel Falcao has scored 5 goals in his last 5 games.
Barcelona stands at the top of the league table with 88 points from 34 games, having 28 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats. The Catalan grandee has 8 points advantage over 2nd-placed Real Madrid and a game in hand. Tito Vilanova could win the La Liga title with a victory. Their present form has seen W,L,D,L,W from last five games. Last five away matches Blaugrana have finished with DDWLD. Barcelona managed a 4-2 win over Real Betis last weekend. But, Barcelona have won just 1 of their last 7 away games in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez is under doubt due to a ligament injury. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Diego Costa also have knocks, but are expected to be fit in time. Head coach Diego Simeone could give rest to his key players ahead of Friday’s Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi has recovered from a hamstring injury and will play from the starting minutes. Victor Valdes, Pedro and Javier Mascherano have been recovered from their injuries, while Cesc Fabregas returns after suspension.
Atletico Madrid line-up: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Luis, Gabi, Tiago, García, Adrián, Turan, Falcao.
Last three mathces:
Celta 1 – Atletico Madrid 3;
Deportivo 0 – Atletico Madrid 0;
Atletico Madrid 1 – Real Madrid CF 2.
Barcelona line-up: Valdés, Alves, Piqué, Correia, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Villa.
Last three matches:
FC Barcelona 4 – Betis 2;
FC Barcelona 0 – FC Bayern München 3;
Athletic Bilbao 2 – FC Barcelona 2.
