The primary La Liga spherical of 2023 brings us a few very thrilling matchups, essentially the most thrilling of which is Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona. Duels between these two are all the time enjoyable to observe for the truth that each have immense expertise on the roster.
This time, it might be much more thrilling than standard, contemplating that each groups want factors. Barcelona wants a win as a way to keep on high of the desk, whereas Atleti might get to the no.3 spot with a win on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Odds
| Atletico Madrid | +229 |
| Draw | +240 |
| Barcelona | +120 |
*Odds taken from bet365 on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
| Over 2.5 | -109 |
| Beneath 2.5 | -102 |
*Odds taken from bet365 on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
When, The place, and How you can Watch?
- Place: Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain
- Date: Sunday, January 8, 2023
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- How you can Watch: ESPN+
Barca Clinging onto the No. 1 Spot
On the final day of 2022, Barcelona drew 1-1 with Espanyol, which got here as an enormous shock as they had been -500 favorites. Not successful that sport meant that Actual Madrid was capable of get to even factors with them. In reality, the one purpose why Xavi’s crew remains to be sitting high of the desk is that they bought a greater rating distinction than the reigning champions.
The rationale why they didn’t beat their intercity rivals is that they simply couldn’t break Espanyol’s defensive wall greater than as soon as. Barca had 21 aim makes an attempt, however solely a kind of went in. Additional, they’d the ball of their possession 77% of the time.
We anticipate to see one thing related in Sunday’s sport, however that precisely is what wants to fret their followers. The factor is that Atletico Madrid might need the easiest protection within the league.
Atleti to “Park the Bus” on Sunday
Barcelona is the crew that’s conceded the fewest objectives in La Liga this season. The rationale behind that is that their midfield has been the dominant drive all through the season, not permitting the opposition to create many aim possibilities.
On the subject of Atletico, their protection has been pretty much as good as all the time. They’re conceding beneath 1.0 objectives per sport, which isn’t any shock understanding how good their defenders are. We did, nevertheless, see them enable some surprising objectives in a few video games final yr. As an illustration, they conceded three objectives to Cadiz CF in October.
The excellent news for Atleti followers is that of their first sport of 2023, they stored a clear sheet – they defeated Elche 2-0.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction
Barca beat Atletico solely as soon as of their earlier 5 duels performed in Madrid. Plus, the earlier two Atletico vs Barcelona video games at Metropolitano Stadium had been gained by the hosts. We expect one thing related would possibly occur this Sunday as nicely. Atleti has expertise on their aspect, to not point out that the followers are going to provide them an additional increase in the event that they want it.
Picks: Atletico Madrid and beneath 2.5 objectives
