The race for the Spanish top flight title reaches its climax on Saturday as Barcelona take on leaders Atletico Madrid. The visitors have a three-point lead over their rivals but a win for Barcelona would deny Atletico the title because of their head-to-head record. The two teams recorded a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture at Vicente Calderon in January.
Both teams have recorded unconvincing results recently, Barcelona dropped points in their last two matches (2-2 at home to Getafe and 0-0 at Elche) while Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Malaga after losing 2-0 at Levante two weeks ago. Diego Simeone's men need a win or a draw to end their 18-year wait for a 10th Liga title. They also have the UEFA Champions League final to play on May 24 when they will face arch rivals Real Madrid.
Atletico defender Miranda does not believe his side have missed their chance to win the title by taking just one point from their last two matches. "It has been a long season and at the beginning nobody believed that we would be in the fight for the league. We have to play well and look for victory," he said. "They are a difficult team to play on the counter against because they're so good. They're a strong team, but we will try to play well and win."
Atletico star striker Diego Costa is expected to be fit for the match. Neymar (toe) and Jordi Alba (hamstring) remain doubts for Bercelona, along with Gerard Pique. Here are the odds for the big match at Bet365:
Barcelona win - 5/6
Draw - 13/5
Atletico Madrid win - 7/2
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Comments (1)
yellonek
05/19/14, 08:05:29 AM
It was a great game by both teams I did expect Atletico to win the title but firstly catalonians surprised me with the goal yeah good for the show I wonder now if...
It was a great game by both teams I did expect Atletico to win the title but firstly catalonians surprised me with the goal yeah good for the show I wonder now if they ask for transfers from atletico after this season
Show more
