The stage is set for one of La Liga’s most anticipated fixtures as league leaders Barcelona host a resurgent Atletico Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on December 2, 2025. With both sides in scintillating form and the title race heating up, this midweek showdown could prove pivotal. Barcelona, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves that propelled them to the top of the table, aim to extend their unbeaten streak against Atletico to seven in eight league meetings. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s men, unbeaten in 13 La Liga games and trailing by just three points, are eyeing an eighth consecutive win across all competitions.
Kick-off is at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET), and fans can catch the action live on Premier Sports in the UK or via the FanCode app in select regions. As these titans collide, here’s your complete Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid preview, including the latest team news, potential lineups and score predictions.
Match Preview
Barcelona’s resurgence under Hansi Flick has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite a 3-0 Champions League setback against Chelsea earlier this month, the Blaugrana have won four straight La Liga matches, including a hard-fought 3-1 home win over Alaves where Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo starred. With seven straight home league victories and 23 goals scored in those games (conceding just four), Camp Nou remains a fortress. Robert Lewandowski leads the attack with eight goals, while young talents like Yamal continue to dazzle. However, Flick has voiced concerns over his side’s dip in performance levels from last season, making this a test of their title credentials.
Atletico Madrid, the comeback kings of 2025, have transformed a sluggish start into a seven-game winning streak. Alexander Sorloth’s brace in a 2-0 Copa del Rey triumph over Real Oviedo underscored their ruthlessness, and they’ve become the first La Liga side to score first in their opening 14 matches. Simeone, chasing his 324th league win as Atletico boss, will lean on Julian Alvarez’s creativity and the defensive solidity that’s seen them concede just five goals in their last 10 outings. Yet, away form remains a Achilles’ heel – only two wins in six road games this season – and Barcelona’s dominance in Catalonia (Atletico have won just two of their last 27 visits) adds intrigue.
Team News
Barcelona’s treatment room is thinning out, but a few stars remain sidelined. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back injury) is targeting a mid-December return, while midfielder Gavi (meniscus) won’t be back until February 2026. Fermin Lopez (calf) is out until early December, and Ronald Araujo is a major doubt with illness after missing the Alaves game. On the bright side, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Eric Garcia are all set to return, bolstering the midfield and defense. Alejandro Balde is available despite recent physical discomfort, and Marcus Rashford (virus) could feature off the bench after illness. No suspensions for the hosts.
Atletico, too, welcome back Jan Oblak (knee) after two games out, a huge boost for their backline. However, Marcos Llorente (thigh) misses a third straight match, and Robin Le Normand (knee) is unlikely to feature until mid-December. Pablo Barrios and Giuliano Simeone could return from minor knocks, adding midfield depth. No suspensions here either, allowing Simeone full tactical flexibility – potentially deploying a 4-4-2 with Sorloth and Alvarez up top.
Potential Lineups
Barcelona are expected to stick with their fluid 4-3-3, emphasizing possession and width through Yamal and Raphinha. De Jong and Pedri’s return anchors the midfield, allowing Olmo freedom behind Lewandowski.
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-3-3): Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Marc Casado; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski (c). Subs: Inaki Pena (GK), Andreas Christensen, Ferran Torres, Marc Bernal.
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Jose Gimenez, Clement Lenglet, David Hancko; Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Alejandro Baena; Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez. Subs: Juan Musso (GK), Samuel Lino, Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo De Paul.
Score Predictions
This fixture screams goals: Barcelona have led at half-time in eight of their last nine against Atletico, and the visitors’ scoring streak meets the hosts’ home firepower.
Our Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid. Lewandowski to score first, with Sorloth pulling one back late
