Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: 5 key battles | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid) vs Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Kieran Trippier is enjoying his days in sunny Spain.

Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier could have an enticing duel with his Barcelona counterpart Jordi Alba. The two full-backs play on the same flank and don key roles for their respective teams.

Jordi Alba is known for his link-up play, agility, movement, and without a doubt, his attacking threat. His pace and stamina allow him to run up and down the left flank, where he will come up against another solid full-back in Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier.

The Englishman has been a key player in Simeone's side since last season. He has cemented that right-back position and deservedly so. Trippier has sharpened his defensive skillset and has settled well into the Rojiblanco backline. His performances have made him a core part of the team.

4 - Kieran Trippier is just the fourth different English player to start a Champions League quarter-final with a non-English club (also David Beckham with Real Madrid and PSG, Owen Hargreaves with Bayern Munich and Steve McManaman with Real Madrid). Knockout. pic.twitter.com/5pTBpJ4ISi

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 13, 2020

With both teams allowing their full-backs the freedom of the pitch, the contest between Trippier and Alba could be a key one in the context of the game.

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#2 Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid) vs Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona vs Real Betis - La Liga Santander

It has been a rather strange season for arguably the best player ever to have played this beautiful game. Lionel Messi has three goals in six La Liga starts this season. While Messi hasn't been at his best, the game against Atletico Madrid could be the perfect opportunity for the Argentinian to roar back into form.

WHAT. A. HIT. 💥 Lionel Messi is back scoring goals for Barcelona! 😍pic.twitter.com/BQeWrjiZ4c

— Goal (@goal) September 16, 2020

Jose Gimenez has been a key player in the Atletico Madrid rearguard ever since the departure of club legend Diego Godin to Serie A last season.

Gimenez is extremely clever with his game-reading skills and knows exactly how to sniff out danger and when to time his challenges. The Uruguayan is very mobile and agile and can stop blistering counter-attacks. He has been there to clear away danger in pressure situations and will look to do the same against the Messi and co too.

The onus will surely be on Lionel Messi to break down the solid Atletico Madrid back-line. Jose Gimenez, on the other hand, will look to command the Atletico Madrid rearguard and try to stop the Barcelona captain.

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#1 Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) vs Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona)

Jan Oblak of Atletico MAdrid

It is fair to say that Jan Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

The Atletico Madrid shot-stopper is known for his speed, quick reflexes and agility as well as his astute reading of the game. He has made miraculous saves and has conjured ridiculous stats to back up his mind-blowing abilities. Oblak is often the key man for Atletico Madrid and is a bulwark in Diego Simeone's formidable team.

However, against Barcelona, Oblak will be up against his former teammate Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid's all-time leading scorer, who will be looking to get some goals against his former side and kickstart his Barcelona career.

17 - Jan Oblak has failed to save any of the last 17 penalties ha has faced with Atlético de Madrid in all competitions (15 goals conceded, two missed - including penalty shoot-outs). Suffering. pic.twitter.com/f41nkGMBrI

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 3, 2020

Antoine Griezmann hasn't been at his devastating best since he left Atletico Madrid, but this could be the perfect chance for him to win over the Blaugrana fans and regain some form.

It could be a riveting battle between two world-class players who will try to outdo the other and put in a match-winning performance.