The match Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid coupled with a series of problems for the defending champion who is now lagging behind Real Madrid in the acquisition of points in the Spanish La Liga standings.
Barcelona need a victory to overtake Madrid at the top of the standings, so the match against Atletico seems not to come at the right time.
Here is a list of problems faced by Barcelona ahead of entertaining Atletico at Camp Nou, Wednesday (7/1):
1. Internal Chaos of Players and Coaches
The issue of a rift between Barcelona players and Quique Setien began to emerge after a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo. The players allegedly did not believe in the coach’s method.
Setien and the coaching team were reportedly having difficulty communicating with the players.
In addition to problems between players and coaches, previously there were also rumors about the estrangement of the relationship between Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
2. Barcelona’s Inconsistency After the League Begins
In five matches after La Liga was rolled back, in mid-June, Barcelona won only three wins and two draws. The 11 points won the defending champions losing to Madrid who wiped out five matches with a win.
While Atletico, an opponent who will face Barcelona, also has a record that is no less slick after the league began in mid-June. Los Colchoneros won four wins and one draw.
3. Messi Without a Sharp Shot
Barcelona’s number one mainstay has failed to open fire on target in the last two matches in the Spanish La Liga.
Squawka’s website includes data La Pulga fired 14 shots on goal at Athletic Bilbao and Celta without anyone being shot on target.
Messi’s last goal was booked from the spot when Barcelona won 2-0 over Leganes.
Messi also never scored his 700th goal in a senior career, but the Argentine national team captain was supported by a good goal record when facing Atletico.
4. Atletico’s Solid Defense
On the Spanish La Liga scene, Atletico are a goal-efficient team. Joao Felix and his friends scored 41 goals in 32 matches, but Los Colchoneros’s record was the best after Real Madrid.
Atleti’s goal conceded only 23 times or two more goals than Madrid. Whereas Barcelona 33 times.
The typical style of Atletico who likes to play tightly in defense makes it difficult for opponents to score goals or even steal shooting opportunities in the area of Jose Gimenez and his friends.
5. Clean Sheet Jan Oblak
Playing under the rule of Atletico, Jan Oblak appeared convincing by posting 14 clean sheets this season.
Together with Thibaut Courtois in Madrid, Oblak became the number one goalkeeper for clean sheets in the Spanish La Liga this season. The amount is more than Marc-Andre Ter Stegen who recorded 12 games without breaking.
