Three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid | La Liga MD19 | Barca Universal

"A win over Deportivo Alaves at home helped Barcelona take the lead in La Liga, but they now face off against Atletico Madrid just over 72 hours later. The game, part of Matchday 19 of the 2025/26 La Liga, was initially slated to be held in January, but has now been rescheduled to earlier owing to the Spanish Super Cup that will be played at that time. The two teams will, thus, face off tomorrow night in a massive league game at the Spotify Camp Nou in what will be the first heavyweight clash at the stadium post its reopening."

"Barcelona's win over Alaves on Saturday helped the Catalans recover first place on the La Liga standings provisionally, and all eyes were on Real Madrid to see if they could claim back the lead. Los Blancos, however, could only manage a draw against Girona away at Estadi Montilivi, handing Barcelona the lead for good. Just over a month ago, when the two giants locked horns in El Clasico, Real Madrid seemed to have the clear upper hand both in terms of sporting quality and the numerical lead at the top of the table. November, however, has not quite gone their way, and they have now dropped six of their last nine points in the competition. The result - Barcelona boast a one-point lead over them."

"The Catalans' first game back as the leaders is against Atletico Madrid tomorrow, and it will be anything but easy for them to retain that position. A win, however, will not only guarantee them the pole position but send a message that they are truly back. Xabi Alonso's men play away against Athletic Club on Wednesday, and there is a good chance they drop points again, given their recent form. For Barça, the best scenario will be to win and secure the lead, and even hope for it to extend."

The Matchday 19 fixture between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid was moved forward from January because of the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona regained first place after defeating Deportivo Alaves, while Real Madrid drew with Girona and now trail by one point. The game at the reopened Spotify Camp Nou will be the first major clash there and presents a key chance for Barcelona to consolidate the top spot. Real Madrid have dropped six of their last nine points, and Atletico face Athletic Club before this matchup, increasing the importance of a Barcelona win.

Read at Barca Universal