Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Ansu Fati Returns for the Showdown
Barcelona welcomes back Ansu Fati from injury for their La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid, while Diego Simeone's side looks to close the gap at the top.
Barcelona is gearing up to face Atletico Madrid in their final match of 2024, with coach Hansi Flick including the surprise return of Ansu Fati in the squad.
Fati has been out of action since mid-November with a thigh injury but returned to training last week. Flick confirmed his inclusion, although he is expected to start on the bench. Barcelona remains without defender Andreas Christensen, who is recovering from surgery, and Héctor Fort, sidelined with a hamstring injury.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid, under coach Diego Simeone, enters the match in stellar form. Currently second in La Liga, they trail Barcelona by just three points. Key players such as Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, and Rodrigo de Paul are expected to play pivotal roles in this top-of-the-table encounter.
Atletico’s defensive stability has been a cornerstone of their success this season, while Griezmann remains a creative force, contributing with goals and assists. The visitors will aim to exploit any weaknesses in Barcelona’s makeshift defense, which is adjusting to the absence of Christensen.
Barcelona’s full squad list includes:
Goalkeepers: Marc-André ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña
Defenders: Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araújo, Iñigo Martínez, Jules Koundé
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri, Pablo Torre, Fermín López, Marc Casadó
Forwards: Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Pau Víctor
The match is set to be a thrilling contest as Barcelona seeks to extend their lead at the top, while Atletico Madrid looks to level the points and intensify the title race as the new year approaches.