Match Focus: Something has to give in Atlético vs Barcelona

On the surface it brings forth an old cliché, of the best attack versus the best defence. Barcelona against Atlético Madrid on this occasion, however, is so much more than that. It’s an early title decider. Using that term in the same breath as Atleti’s name has been, putting it politely, a rarity down the years. One man has changed all that, though, and that’s Diego Simeone. Over in Barcelona however, another South American, Gerard Martino, is attempting his own revolution.

This weekend brings the two teams, two coaches and two fantastic sets of players together. The result will be that just about every possible asset is on display: from Barça’s flair and individual brilliance to the industrious and unselfish work of Atleti. Both teams have played 18, won 16, lost just the once and possess 49 points. Both losses came against the tide and out of the blue, Barça going down away to an energetic Athletic Bilbao while Atleti fell to an Espanyol side that imitated their own style and used it against them.

So where will this be won? Atleti, being at home and with their fans now used to seeing their team assert their own style on games, will look first to keep control – but not by keeping on the ball. Atleti’s best work is done off the ball and their trust in each other, accompanied with their ability to keep shape, means Barça will be afforded time in possession.

Down the years it has generally been thought best to attempt to stop the Catalans from keeping the ball, but Atleti instead allow them time but without the scope to use it in a penetrative manner. Atleti have had an average of just 48.6% possession this season, backing up the now famous comments of Simeone that “possession isn’t everything”. Barça in comparison are as enamoured with the ball as ever, dominating games with an average of 66.4% possession. The interesting thing under Martino however has been the fluidity, speed and direct manner Barça’s attacks now have. Martino’s men are hitting 15.9 shots per game and 7.3 per game are on target in La Liga this season; last season the figures were just 13.9 and 6.3 respectively.

It’s no surprise then with this more direct, hit and hurt ‘em style of Martino that players such as Pedro, Neymar and Alexis Sánchez are thriving. They are characters that possess one main target – getting into the penalty area. Not only are they driving there with their pace, change of direction and close control, there is an end product too. Between the three they have 28 goals in La Liga with over half the season left to play. Last season there was no such end product, or at least on such a regular basis. Pedro finished the season with 7 goals, Alexis with 8 and Neymar wasn’t at the club – how his arrival, dismissed by some as unnecessary, has facilitated this re-emergence of a ruthless Catalan outfit. Lionel Messi will continue his comeback this weekend, and Neymar will start too, leaving Martino to choose between Pedro and Alexis for the last starring role. There is little to choose between them, but perhaps Alexis’ more rounded skill set gives him the edge.

Meanwhile for the opposition, it’s likely the defence that has conjured up the best record in La Liga this season will be depleted. Juanfran’s suspension being overturned was a boost, but potential injuries to Diego Godín and Filipe Luis leave Atleti in a quandary. Godín is an important player to them, making the most interceptions (3.3 per game) and clearances (7.3 per game) for the club. Toby Alderweireld and youngster Javi Manquillo are both likely to come in and while both have deputised to good effect thus far, facing Barça’s attack is the most severe of tests. Atleti’s 9 shots conceded per game is the best average in La Liga, while their formidable amount of tackles (25.8 per game) is also a league-high. Their actions off the ball are the foundation of their success; the days of not tracking runs and lazily strolling back to defend are long gone. They’re a unit now.

The midfield battle will also be intriguing, as Barça and their new found speed over the attacking transition will look to be thwarted by an aggressive Atleti outfit. The determination to regain possession and shut down opponents is another key part of Atleti’s game. Gabi is chief in this regard, perhaps the closest Simeone has to having a clone on the field. The midfielder’s work is often unheralded, given his unfashionable style; Gabi prefers a 50/50 duel to a glittering pass. He can do the latter too of course, which is unfortunately overlooked. He’s making 4.2 tackles per game, the 4th most in La Liga, as he looks to unsettle any kind of opponent. Filipe Luis has made 4.1, meanwhile, so having him available will be key in this regard.

Although Atleti’s defensive qualities are well known, they can throw a decent punch in attack too. Diego Costa and Koke are a package deal in a sense, with the latter always aiming to seek out the former. Barça’s control of their cohesion will be vital. Costa has made a 40.4% contribution to Ateti’s goals this season, scoring 19 of the 47. The Spanish striker is a beast in the final third and in particular in the box, scoring each of his 19 goals from inside the penalty area – more than any other player in the top 5 European leagues.

Barça’s defence has faced tough questions from fans and the media alike, but those that Costa poses will be the most difficult. Strong, quick, intelligent and now with an added clinical touch in front of goal he represents the real deal. It doesn’t matter if Atleti take the game to Barça or simply lure them into a false sense of security; Costa will be ready to pounce. He’s shown his teeth when Atleti are in control, or operating against the run of play like he did against Valencia in La Liga before the turn of the year.

Something in this one just have to give, and the team who gives more to the game in terms of professing their own style, will likely take this one.