On Tuesday, December 2, La Liga giants Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are set to clash, both aiming to sustain their impressive form in the league. Barcelona has triumphed in their last four La Liga matches, while Atlético Madrid heads into the matchup riding a six-game winning streak. Currently, Barcelona leads the table with 34 points, while Atlético sits in fourth place with 31 points.
The match kicks off at Camp Nou at 3 PM ET. According to the latest betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Barcelona is favored at -130 to win, while Atlético Madrid is the underdog at +290. The odds for a draw are set at +320, and the total goals are projected at 3.5 (over -105, under -125). For the latest predictions on the game, check out SportsLine.
Before finalizing your bets for the Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid match, make sure to see what sports betting expert Martin Green predicts.
With several years in the sports betting realm, Green transitioned into a professional sportswriter and handicapper, covering the game globally. Last year, he successfully picked winners across various competitions, including Euro Qualifiers (+6.30 units) and Champions League (+3.05 units). Those who follow his tips are likely to benefit.
Here are Green’s top picks and insights for the upcoming match between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid:
Predictions for Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid
- Barcelona Moneyline (-125): 1u
- Both teams to score – 2.5 goals or more – Lamine Yamal More than 0.5 shots on goal (+100): 0.5u
Atlético Madrid aims to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches when they face Barcelona. They recently secured a 2-0 victory over Oviedo, which boosted them to third place in La Liga, and coach Diego Simeone strategically rested key players like Julián Alvarez and José María Jiménez for that game.
Despite substitutions, Atlético still performed well, with Alexander Saulot netting both goals. With Barcelona just three points ahead in the standings, this match is critical for the title race.
Barcelona Close to Full Strength
After a tough 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League last week, Barcelona has thrived in La Liga, winning their last four matches and scoring 14 goals. In their last game, they beat Arabes 3-1, with Lamine Yamal getting an early goal and Dani Olmo scoring twice. Barcelona is likely to field a nearly complete squad against Atlético, with Frenkie de Jong returning from injury to potentially partner with Pedri in midfield. Key forwards Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Rafinha are available, though Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford are also competing for starting spots.
This season, Barcelona is the top-scoring team in La Liga, tallying 39 goals in 14 matches, although they have conceded 16. Their dynamic offense offsets defensive weaknesses, making them the favorites in this match — especially given their stellar home record this season, winning all seven matches played at Camp Nou, scoring 23 points and permitting just four goals. Historically, Barcelona has fared well against Atlético, winning their last two encounters after a thrilling 4-4 draw in February.
Atlético’s Strong Away Form
Atlético Madrid enters this match in great form, having won seven consecutive games across competitions, suggesting their players will be well-rested. Jiménez, Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, and Matteo Ruggeri are expected to return to the starting lineup following the break.
However, their away record this season isn’t particularly impressive, with just two wins, three draws, and one loss in six away matches. They did achieve recent victories in their last two away games against Real Betis (2-0) and Getafe (1-0), but they face a challenging test at Camp Nou. Although Barcelona is riding high on form, players like Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann could pose significant threats to the home defense. Ultimately, it seems difficult for Atlético’s defense to hold off Yamal, Rafinha, and Lewandowski for the entire match. Expect a tightly contested match, but Barcelona’s home-field advantage could prove decisive.
Fan Take: This matchup is crucial not only for the title race but also for shaping the narrative of the season. With both teams in excellent form, fans can anticipate an electrifying match that could serve as a litmus test for both squads as they eye championship ambitions.
