Atletico Madrid welcomed Barcelona to the Vicente Calderon on Saturday with the two sides level on 49 points at the top of La Liga.
Clear chances were at a premium in the first period, with the two sides entering the interval level on terms.
Atletico were the better side for much of the second 45 minutes, but neither could make the breakthrough as the points were shared in the Spanish capital.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The top two in La Liga clash at the Vicente Calderon this evening as Atletico Madrid welcome Barcelona. Both teams have won 16, drawn one and lost one of their 18 league games this season, but the Catalan outfit top the table on goal difference. Forget El Clasico for a moment, this is the biggest match of the season thus far.
Incredibly, in the last 20 years, only on three occasions have Atletico and Barcelona met as the sides ranked first and second in the league table. Two of those matches have ended in Atletico wins, which will hand them confidence ahead of this crucial encounter. However, their recent record against Barcelona is extremely disappointing.
Atletico have lost each of their last six league matches against Barcelona, which is their worst-ever run against the Catalan outfit. What’s more, Barcelona have won their last three trips to the Calderon in La Liga by the same scoreline (2-1). However, Atletico remained unbeaten in each of their two clashes with Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup this season.
Just a reminder that kickoff this evening is at 7pm. The team news is expected at around 6pm and I shall bring you up-to-date when that information filters through. Will Lionel Messi start for Barcelona? Reports have suggested that he could be named on the bench. I am not expecting too many surprises from Atletico, however, with Diego Costa set to be joined in attack by former Barcelona striker David Villa.
Atletico’s home record has been stunning this season with nine wins from their nine league matches, scoring 33 times in the process and conceding just six. Meanwhile, Diego Costa, who has netted 19 times in La Liga this season, has scored in all of his side’s league games at the Calderon this season – 13 in total.
As mentioned, Atletico have won 16, drawn one and lost one of their 18 league games this season. That has brought a total of 49 points, which is the same number as Barcelona at this stage of the season. They have an inferior goal difference of five, however, which leaves them second in the table, five points ahead of capital rivals Real Madrid.
Atletico began their league campaign with a 3-1 win over Sevilla, before scoring five times against Rayo Vallecano either side of their Spanish Super Cup clash with Barcelona, which they lost on away goals following a goalless draw at the Camp Nou. They did not lose a single match in any competition until October 19, when they were beaten 1-0 at Espanyol in La Liga.
That defeat has been their only loss this season with an incredible 16-match unbeaten run since that reverse in Barcelona. That has included progression into the latter stages of the Copa del Rey - where they drew 1-1 with Valencia in the first leg of their last-16 clash last week - and the Champions League, where they have been drawn against Italian outfit AC Milan.
It would be fair to say that Atletico are approaching a key part of their season. After this match, they welcome Valencia for the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash, before hosting in-form Sevilla in the league next weekend. They then travel to neighbours Rayo Vallecano, before welcoming top-four hopefuls Real Sociedad at the start of next month.
Their first leg of the Champions League knockout round against AC Milan takes place in Italy on February 19. It doesn’t get any easier from that point forward as they welcome Real Madrid in the league at the start of March before hosting Milan for the second leg. The next few months will certainly shape Atletico’s season.
Atletico had the best defensive record in La Liga last season and they indeed lead the way this time around. They have conceded just 11 times in their 18 league games thus far, keeping nine clean sheets in the process. Meanwhile, Barcelona have conceded 12 times. To put that into context, Real Madrid have conceded 10 more goals than their capital rivals already this season.
Down the other end, Barcelona lead the way having netted 53 times in their 18 matches, with Alexis Sanchez scoring 11 of those. Atletico have found the back of the net on 47 occasions, meanwhile, with Costa their leading scorer on 19. Both have defended well and scored freely this season, but something has to give this evening.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No Lionel Messi or Neymar in the Barcelona XI this evening. Cesc Fabregas will seemingly play through the middle, with Alexis Sanchez and Pedro providing the width. We are still waiting on the confirmed team news from the Atletico camp, but it is believed to be filtering through.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: To follow.
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Fabregas, Sanchez
Radamel Falcao struck a stunning 34 goals in 40 games for Atletico last season, including 28 in the league before leaving for Monaco. It had been predicted that the club would struggle in his absence, but Diego Costa and summer signing David Villa have certainly taken on the goal-scoring load. Whether they can keep hold of Costa in the summer is another matter entirely. We are still waiting for that confirmed Atletico team news.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Gabi, Koke; Turan, Costa and Villa
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Fabregas, Sanchez
So there we have it. As expected, no surprises in the Atletico XI this evening. It is their first-choice back four, while Tiago comes into the middle of midfield alongside Gabi and Koke. Turkish international Arda Turan joins Costa and Villa in attack. The big team news comes from Barcelona with Lionel Messi and Neymar both left on the bench.
There have been a number of stunning performers for Atletico this season with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois demonstrating his standing as one of the best stoppers in European football, while Diego Godin and Miranda have been sensational in defence. Koke has been the standout player in midfield, with the Spaniard believed to be drawing interest from Manchester United.
Atletico have won La Liga on nine occasions, the last of which came in 1996. They have also been runners-up on eight occasions, but the majority of those came before 1970. In the last four seasons, an average of 21 points has separated second place from third, with Real Madrid and Barcelona occupying the top two positions on each occasion.
Barcelona have won the title six times in the last nine seasons, with Madrid claiming three successes during that period. The last time that a team outside of the top two secured the crown was in 2004, when Valencia, who had also picked up the title in the 2001-02 campaign, were victorious. Can Atletico break that mould this season?
Unlike Atletico, Barcelona have lost twice in all competitions this season. Hardly disastrous! As mentioned, they currently sit top of La Liga on 49 points, with their goal difference five better than Atletico after 18 matches. They have won on each of their last three visits to Atletico in the league and will be confident of continuing that this evening.
Their confidence will have grown with the recent return of Lionel Messi. The Argentine had been out of action since November after injuring his hamstring against Real Betis, but returned to the fold from the bench in their Copa del Rey last-16 clash with Getafe last week. In true Messi style, he scored twice in the latter stages, the second of which was a stunner.
Messi certainly enjoys playing against Atletico having found the back of the net on 17 occasions in 14 matches. What’s more, Barcelona have incredibly lost just three of the 138 league games in which Messi has scored, the first of those, however, came in the Vicente Calderon in 2009. The Argentine has been injured for a large part of this season, but has still managed 16 goals.
In a recent press conference, Martino refused to play down the importance of Messi to his side’s hopes for the remainder of the season. The Argentine said of his fellow countryman: “Messi gives all of us confidence and helps us grow and with everyone at his side, we feel more certain. In decisive instances, having Messi and everyone in the squad available, is the best that could happen. Whenever there's that, there's always more options."
If Barcelona pick up all three points this evening, Gerardo Martino will equal the best points haul achieved by Pep Guardiola in the first half of a season – 52, which came in the 2010/11 campaign. Martino has drawn criticism for a perceived change of style this season, but his record simply cannot be argued since taking charge.
Barcelona’s only domestic defeat of the season came at the start of December when they lost 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao, but have bounced back by taking nine points from three games since then. The likes of Neymar, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro have all enjoyed fine seasons, meanwhile, with their attacking talent the envy of Europe.
Defensively, they have somewhat improved this season, but they have not kept a clean sheet on the road in the league since October against Celta Vigo. Carlos Puyol is seemingly coming to the end and while Javier Mascherano is competent, there are doubts over his ability to play centre-back against the very best opposition.
Barcelona could be forgiven for thinking that they would be clear at the top of the table after boasting such an impressive record this season. Not even Real Madrid have been able to match that standard with Carlo Ancelotti’s side sitting on 44 points. It will certainly be fascinating to see just whether Atletico can break the Barcelona/Real Madrid domination in Spain.
I wrote an article before the season started about whether Atletico could separate Real Madrid and Barcelona this season. My final conclusion was that they would ultimately finish third despite their certain improvement. This match will certainly go a long way to determining just how far they have come in a short space of time.
PREDICTION: How long is a piece of string?! It is almost impossible to predict this match. A case can be made for Atletico continuing their stunning home record, but Barcelona need no introduction. I am going to somewhat sit on the fence this evening and back a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for entertainment on this wonderful night of football. The away side get the action underway at the Vicente Calderon.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Deafening noise inside the Calderon. Early chance for Costa to force the issue as he drives through the heart of the Barcelona midfield, but Mascherano is across to clear, before Barca are awarded a free kick. You just get the feeling that this is going to be a real cracker.
Barcelona force the issue down the left as Alba joins Pedro in attack before attempting to slide a pass towards Pedro, but it runs out for an Atletico goal kick. The home side have possession down the other end moments later, but Turan is denied by Pique.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Turan drives past two defenders before rolling a low cross into the box, but Pique manages to turn over his own crossbar. The resulting corner is delivered towards Godin, but Pique is on hand to clear. Explosive start from the home side in the opening five minutes as Costa tests Valdes from outside the area.
Barcelona have just started to take control of the possession with Iniesta and Xavi involved outside the box, but they are finding it difficult to break through this Atletico defence. The referee has been forced to award a couple of free kicks, meanwhile, as both sides fight for possession. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last couple of moments with both sides pressing well in the middle of the park. A deep cross from Alves comes into the Atletico box, but Courtois is on hand to collect. The noise is just deafening inside the stadium as the home supporters continue to make their voices known.
Costa wants a free kick on the edge of the box as he is bundled to the ground by Mascherano, but the referee is not interested. Atletico are playing the more incisive football in the final third with Turan influencing the early stages. Not too much in terms of Barcelona pressure, however, as Atletico continue to close the space in midfield.
Just a reminder that a draw would keep Barcelona top of the table this evening, with Atletico needing to win to take charge of first position. Atletico are playing the better football at the moment as they continue to force the issue in wide positions. Barcelona are attempting to play on the break, but have been unable to create any real opportunities thus far.
Strange moment at the Calderon as the referee is forced to stop play and have his communication package altered on the sidelines. Modern technology! The Spaniard does return moments later with Barcelona in possession. Just the one clear chance in the opening 16 minutes with Pique turning over his own crossbar following smart work from Turan. However, there is an incredible intensity in the middle of the park.
First real chance for Pedro to run at Juanfran, but the Spaniard is brought down by Turan just outside the box. The set piece is played short to Xavi, but Atletico win back possession when Miranda clears a low cross from Alba. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - will be vital this evening.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Pedro finds some space outside the box, but his low effort is into the arms of Courtois, who has hardly been tested in the opening 19 minutes. Barcelona have enjoyed an extended period of possession in the last couple of moments, but Atletico are more than happy to defend the edge of their own area.
Stop-start period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a series of offences. Atletico continue to deliver balls into the Barcelona box, but Pique and Mascherano have been equal to the danger thus far. Still goalless after 22 minutes, with Iniesta on the ground following a challenge with Gabi.
It appears that Iniesta injured his knee during that challenge with his fellow Spaniard, but he does return to his feet following a period of treatment. Atletico regain possession moments later before working the ball through midfield. The opening 24 minutes of this contest have flown past. However, clear chances have been few and far between as Villa is just ruled offside outside the Barcelona box.
The pressing from Atletico has been quite sensational thus far with Xavi and Busquets not allowed a moment on the ball. Alves and Alba continue to provide width, but the home side are so compact in defence. Costa drives away from Alba moments later, but Mascherano is across to make the challenge.
Half-chance for Atletico as Costa collects a through pass from Koke before attempting to test Valdes, but Pique is across with a fine challenge. The resulting corner is taken by Koke, but Alba is across to clear. The home side have just started to raise the tempo in the last couple of moments. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Miranda's header drops towards the far post, but Costa can only force his effort wide from close range. Barcelona are struggling to make their mark at the moment with the home side in control of proceedings. You cannot take your eyes off this one for a second.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Sanchez collects a long pass from Xavi before finding Fabregas, but the Spaniard decides to look wide for Alves when he might have had an effort on goal. Atletico counter down the other end with Costa, but he cannot move past Mascherano. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining with the scores still goalless. Could one goal be enough to win this match?
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Iniesta's whipped cross finds the head of Pedro, but the Spaniard can only place his header over the crossbar under pressure from Tiago. Both sides have had opportunities to open the scoring in the Spanish capital.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Pique tries his luck from outside the box, but Courtois manages to make the save before Miranda clears under pressure from Fabregas. Barcelona have started to enjoy more of the possession in the Atletico half, with their threat coming from wide positions.
Just a reminder that Barcelona have Lionel Messi and Neymar on their bench this evening, with both expected to feature in the second period. The away side continue to deliver crosses into the box, but Atletico remain compact in defence. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure from Atletico, however, in the latter stages of the first period.
A wonderful pass from Iniesta finds Sanchez inside the Atletico box, but the Chilean had moved into an offside position. Costa has possession for Atletico down the other end moments later, but he cannot escape Alba. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital. Is there to be late drama in the half?
Atletico continue to look long for Costa, but Mascherano and Pique have been tight in defence thus far. The home supporters remain in fine voice, but Barcelona have been the better side in the last 15 minutes or so. We have seen little from Villa thus far. Just a reminder that a point would keep Barcelona top of the table after 19 matches.
It hasn't quite happened for Costa in the first period with the striker having his pocket picked on a number of occasions. Atletico enjoy a period of possession outside the Barcelona box moments later, but Luis's cross is cleared by Pique, before Gabi is booked for a late challenge on Iniesta.
HALF TIME: Atletico 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Barcelona have dominated the possession, but clear chances have been few and far between at the Vicente Calderon. Nevertheless, it has been an absorbing first period in Madrid.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have dominated the possession with 69%, while they have had four attempts to Atletico's two. The best chance fell to Costa, but the Atletico forward could only poke wide from close range. There has been just the one yellow card, meanwhile, with the home side's skipper Gabi booked late in the half.
BENCH WATCH: Atletico have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Raul Garcia, Rodriguez and new signing Sosa. Meanwhile, Barcelona have an embarrassment of riches with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Sergi Roberto among those in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Elche against Sevilla - be sure to remain with us for that one. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
SUB: Barcelona have made a change at the interval with a certain Lionel Messi entering the field in place of Iniesta, who appeared to be struggling with an injury in the first period. An early yellow card is handed to Godin, meanwhile, as the Atletico centre-back catches Sanchez with his elbow in a high challenge.
Slightly untidy start to the second period from Atletico with the likes of Luis and Godin both guilty of a couple of late challenges. Barcelona have started brightly, however, with the presence of Messi a big boost. The Argentine runs out Costa moments later before testing Courtois, who pushes his effort wide of the post.
Messi is not moving too well at the moment following a challenge with Costa inside the Atletico box. We shall keep a close eye on that one. Sanchez has an effort on goal moments later, but Courtois is on hand to collect. Not too much from Atletico in the early stages of the second period, but Costa's presence is causing Pique problems in the final third. Still goalless after 53 minutes of this La Liga contest.
Valdes makes a wonderful save to deny Godin from close range, but it would not have counted with the offside flag raised. That has certainly lifted the home supporters, who have seen Barcelona dominate the second period thus far. Messi appears to be moving slightly better, which is good news for the away side. Still no movement on the Atletico bench, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings.
Opportunity for Atletico to threaten from a free kick as Juanfran is felled by Alba outside the box, with the Barcelona left-back collecting a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting set piece is taken by Gabi, but Tiago cannot make contact despite rising highest inside the box. It remains goalless with little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Barcelona have already introduced Messi, but Neymar will surely enter in the latter stages. Atletico, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Garcia and Rodriguez. Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges.
CHANCE! Clear opening for Costa as Turan drives past two midfielders before feeding the Atletico forward, but his effort flashes wide of the post. That is the closest either side has come in the second period. Moments later, Villa delivers into the arms of Valdes.
Javier Mascherano is perhaps lucky to remain on the field as he dives into a challenge with Turan, but the referee takes no action. The Barcelona centre-back comes off worse, but does return to his feet following a period of treatment. Little over 25 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining. Surely one goal would be enough to collect all three points.
SUB: Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the last couple of moments as they pass and probe outside the Atletico box, but Turan manages to clear at the vital moment. Barcelona make their second change of the match just past the hour mark as Neymar replaces Sanchez.
You just get the feeling that there will be a winner this evening. Both sides have had chances that is for certain. Atletico had enjoyed a strong 10-minute period, but Barcelona have taken control in the last couple of moments. Meanwhile, the home supporters remain in fine voice as Costa continues to test the patience of the referee.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Messi as the Argentine works the ball wide to Alba before meeting the Spaniard's cross, but his header just drops wide of the post. Still no movement on the Atletico bench with little more than 20 minutes of this contest remaining.
Mascherano becomes the latest name to enter the referee's book following a late challenge on Costa in the middle of the park. That decision does not go down well with Mascherano's teammates. The resulting free kick from Miranda is delivered towards Turan, who turns Alba, but he loses possession at the vital moment. Barcelona are down the other end with Neymar moments later, but Miranda clears once more.
Opportunity for Barcelona to threaten from a free kick as Miranda fells Pedro on the edge of the area. The resulting set piece is taken by Messi, but his effort is straight into the wall. The home side attempt to break with Costa, but Pique is across to clear for a throw. Little over 15 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
SUB: The frantic pace continues as Neymar fells Turan on the right after another Barcelona attack breaks down. Atletico make their first change of the match moments later as Raul Garcia replaces Villa, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. The pressure from the home side continues as Costa heads a Luis cross over the crossbar.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Garcia's header falls to Turan just inside the box, but his effort is straight at Valdes. The home side continue to force the issue as we approach the final 10 minutes. Barcelona are struggling for possession at the moment.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Messi drives into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Courtois gets down well to make a fine save at the vital moment. Atletico break down the other end with Costa, but Pique wins the battle. Will there be a winner in the Spanish capital?
SUB: Barcelona make their third and final change of the match with Sergi Roberto replacing Pedro, which is a sign that the away side will be happy with a point. Atletico also make a change as Rodriguez replaces Tiago. Little over five minutes of football remaining as Alves picks up a booking.
Couple of opportunities for Koke to whip crosses into the box, but there are no takers on his second delivery, with Valdes allowing it to move behind for a goal kick. I think it would be fair to say that one goal would be enough to win this match at this stage of proceedings. Atletico remain the more inventive in the final third.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Barcelona taking control of the possession. Atletico continue to press in midfield, but it does appear that this match is heading for a stalemate. Little over one minute of normal time remaining. As it stands, both sides would move onto 50 points for the season.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Godin asks for more from the home supporters, who have been wonderful this evening. Atletico launch another attack down the left with Luis, but Alves denies his Brazilian teammate. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining.
FULL TIME: Atletico 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The two sides cannot be separated as the referee brings the match to a close at 0-0. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Elche against Sevilla. Until then!
