5 reasons why Barcelona will find it hard to beat Atletico Madrid this weekend

#4 Tactical and rotational fouling

Koke tackles hard to stop Messi

Managers use these strategies more frequently in modern day football. This will disrupt the game and momentum of the opponents. Atletico's defence is well prepared for this type of play. Simeone's well-trained machine knows all about being clever while fouling.

It's a skill and it should be done in a certain area of the pitch where opponents find it hard to score from a direct free kick.

Simeone's side will not resist using rotational fouling against Barcelona when there is a need and they have done it in the past better than any other team. We have seen Atletico Madrid players taking turns to foul Messi, Suarez and Neymar and escape from referee's book in the past.

Many teams tried this strategy against Barcelona but none of them were successful like Atletico. It takes years to perfect it and Atletico have perfected it masterfully.