Barcelona Faces Atlético in Crucial La Liga Showdown

MADRID, Spain — FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid have confirmed their starting lineups ahead of a vital La Liga match set for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The outcome could significantly impact both teams’ title aspirations as they head into the international break.

Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, enters the match aiming to maintain their undefeated streak in 2025, boasting 14 wins and 3 draws. They currently sit second in the league standings with 57 points, trailing leaders Real Madrid by a point but holding one game in hand. A victory against Atlético would see them reclaim the top spot and enhance their chances of lifting the La Liga title this season.

In a notable change to the starting XI, Pau Cubarsí returns to the center of defense to partner with Iñigo Martínez, while Marc Casadó steps into the pivot position alongside Dani Olmo and Pedri. The attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski will remain unchanged. Notably absent due to injuries are Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal, while Ansu Fati is sidelined for technical reasons.

“We are playing to win, that’s our focus,” said Flick in a pre-match conference. “Every point counts, and we want to finish this phase at the summit.”

On the other side, Atlético de Madrid, coached by Diego Simeone, will look to capitalize on the home advantage while attempting to shake off a disappointing exit from the Champions League. After being eliminated by their city rivals Real Madrid in a penalty shootout, Atlético seeks redemption in La Liga, where they currently occupy third place with 56 points.

“We know how crucial this match is,” Simeone acknowledged. “If we win, we can tighten the race at the top.” The team will welcome back Rodrigo de Paul but will miss Koke due to injury and Ángel Correa, who is suspended for this match.

The starting lineup for Atlético includes Jan Oblak in goal, with a defense of Marcos Llorente, Axel Disasi, Clément Lenglet, and Reinildo Mandava. The midfield will feature Giuliano Simeone, De Paul, and Pablo Barrios, supporting forwards Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez.

As the teams prepare to clash, Barcelona’s last match ended in a dominant win over Benfica, securing their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals while Atlético looks to recover from the high-pressure of continental competition.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 CET, and it will be broadcast live on DAZN and covered through MARCA’s live updates.