Atletico Madrid, in recent years, have created a lot of problems for Barcelona. Twice in the last 3 seasons, they have knocked the Catalans out of Europe’s most prestigious competition - the Champions League. Add to that the fact that they won the league at the Camp Nou in 2014 and we see why Barcelona detest Diego Simeone’s side to such an extent.
Their latest meeting on Wednesday saw Barca take a first-half lead which was cancelled out by Angel Correa in the second half. Probably the worst outcome of the game for Barca was not the 2 points dropped, but the injury to their golden boy Leo Messi.
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Messi’s recurring groin injury took centre stage yet again as he was forced off in the second half just moments before Atletico’s equaliser. He is now set to be out for at least 3 weeks and could miss the reunion with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side in the Champions League.
Atletico’s solid backline makes them an incredibly difficult team to play against. Add to that their physicality and aggressive mentality and it makes them easily one of the most hated football teams to play against. This was evident on Wednesday night as well as the Catalans huffed and puffed but just could not break down Simeone’s team.
This has led to the Barca players producing a new nickname for the Atletico team. Taking advantage of the all Black kit worn by the Madrid team on Wednesday, they have given them the nickname of La Bestia Negra. An accurate English translation of that term is "a person or thing especially disliked or dreaded; bane; a bugbear."
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It is just the beginning of the season and with months to go, Barcelona will be hoping to avoid Diego Simeone’s men in all competitions including the Copa Del Ray and in particular, the Champions League.
The La Liga campaign continues this weekend as Barcelona travel to Gijon on Saturday while the Rojiblancos host Deportivo a day later with both sides looking to close the gap on Real Madrid at the top. Just 5 games into the new season and Madrid already hold a 2 point lead over second-placed Sevilla with Barcelona a further point off the pace.
