The Spanish footballing world is bracing itself for a big clash as FC Barcelona face Atlético Madrid in one of the most important games of the La Liga season.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, 21 December 2024, at 3:00 PM ET.
It will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, which is currently serving as Barcelona’s temporary home ground this season.
As we will see in this tactical analysis, the stakes are high.
Both teams are tied at the top of the standings, on 38 points, and separated only by goal difference.
Barcelona are in the lead with an impressive +30 goal differential, while Atlético’s defensive strategy has resulted in a commendable +20.
This analysis promises great tactics, high stakes, and the kind of drama that defines title races.
Latest Form
Barcelona go into the match with something to prove after a bit of a mixed run of form.
They’re still La Liga’s top scorers, with 50 goals in 18 matches, but recent results show there are some weaknesses.
A disappointing 1-0 loss to CD Leganés showed some problems with defensive organisation and intensity, while their pressing game wasn’t as consistent as it could have been.
Even so, Barcelona has been absolutely dominant at home, winning five out of six matches at Montjuïc.
They will be looking to use this impressive home record to their advantage.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid are feeling pretty confident.
In their last 17 games, they’ve won 11, drawn five, and lost one, the best defensive record in La Liga.
They have conceded just 11 goals.
They’ve won five games in a row in all competitions, most recently beating Getafe 1-0.
Simeone’s side has shown it can handle tight games, grind out results, and demonstrate the resilience that has long been their hallmark.
Potential Lineups
We expect both teams to put out strong starting XIs, shaped by the contrasting tactical philosophies of their managers, Hansi Flick and Diego Simeone.
In his inaugural season with Barcelona, Flick has embraced a proactive, possession-heavy style emphasising fluid transitions.
It looks like Barcelona will start with Iñaki Peña in goal, with Alejandro Balde, Íñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí, and Jules Koundé protecting him.
The midfield, led by Pedri, Dani Olmo and Marc Casadó, will try to set the pace.
Up front, Raphinha and Ferran Torres will support Robert Lewandowski, who remains a strong presence in the box.
Atlético Madrid, under Simeone, will stick to a compact and disciplined system.
Jan Oblak is the defensive anchor, with Javi Galán, Clément Lenglet, José María Giménez, and Marcos Llorente forming the backline.
The midfield, with Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios and Javi Simeone, is good at both defending and creating chances.
It looks like Antoine Griezmann is having a bit of a comeback, so it’s likely he’ll be partnering up with either Julián Álvarez or Alexander Sørloth in attack.
Match Plan: Barcelona
Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, have developed a style of play based on high-intensity pressing and controlled possession.
The aim is to dominate matches through relentless energy and technical superiority.
The team is looking to make its mark by winning the ball high up the pitch, closing down space and controlling the flow of the game with some slick passing.
La Liga 2024/25: FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - Tactical Preview tactics analysis
Flick’s tactics focus on the midfield, where Pedri, Marc Casado and Dani Olmo are the driving force.
These players are responsible for recycling possession, exploiting gaps in the opposition lines and maintaining a balance between creative expression and defensive responsibility.
Barcelona rely heavily on the width their wingers and full-backs provide when they’re on the attack.
We expect Raphinha and Ferran Torres to stretch Atlético Madrid’s defensive line, creating space for Robert Lewandowski to operate as the focal point in the penalty area.
It’s essential to see how these wide players and overlapping full-backs, such as Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé, work together.
By pressing the flanks, Barcelona can disrupt Atlético’s usually solid defensive formation, forcing them into tricky positions.
La Liga 2024/25: FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - Tactical Preview tactics analysis
Barcelona’s high defensive line has been a key part of Flick’s system, but it carries some risks, particularly against a team like Atlético Madrid that’s good at exploiting transitions.
While this approach makes the playing field smaller and stops opponents having time on the ball, it also leaves gaps that quick, vertical plays can expose.
Thanks to his intelligence and movement, Antoine Griezmann is a real threat in these situations.
Flick might tell his defensive line to sit a bit deeper than usual to deal with this, especially when Barcelona doesn’t have the ball.
This change could stop Atlético from taking advantage of space behind the defence while giving players like Íñigo Martínez and Jules Koundé more time on the ball.
La Liga 2024/25: FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - Tactical Preview tactics analysis
Whoever comes out on top on the flanks is going to be in a good position to win this clash.
Atlético often play with their full-backs tucked in close to block passes into the half-spaces where the likes of Pedri and Lewandowski thrive.
This defensive strategy is designed to protect central spaces.
Barcelona can make the most of this by using their wide players to their advantage.
Balde and Koundé must overlap to create numerical superiority on the wings and stretch Atlético’s defensive block horizontally.
If Raphinha or Ferran Torres work well with their full-backs, we could see dangerous cutbacks or crosses aimed at Lewandowski, who is still a threat in the box.
The key to breaking through Atlético’s tight defensive structure is going to be the creativity and vision of Barcelona’s midfield, particularly Pedri.
The young Spaniard’s ability to find pockets of space and deliver precise passes can unsettle even the most disciplined defensive units.
Flick will likely ask Pedri to set the pace of the game, plan the attacks and link up the defensive line with the forwards.
Pedri’s partnership with Dani Olmo, who brings a more dynamic and direct approach, could be key in breaking through Atlético’s lines.
Meanwhile, Marc Casado’s role as the anchor will be to protect the defence and make quick transitions with accurate forward passes.
Set pieces often play a big part in matches between evenly matched teams; this one will be no exception.
Atlético Madrid has some strong players in the air, with José María Giménez and Alexander Sørloth being particularly dangerous when it comes to corners and free-kicks.
Barcelona needs to be really organised at the back during these situations.
They need to ensure that the players know they are marking so they can stocounterlético’s aerial prowess.
On the other hand, Flick will be looking to make the most of Barcelona’s own set-piece opportunities.
Lewandowski’s great at heading the ball, so he’ll be a key target.
The quality of the deliveries from players like Raphinha and Olmo will be important in creating scoring chances.
Ferran Torres has recently found his form at a crucial point for Barcelona.
Torres has scored in three consecutive matches, including a brace in the Champions League against Dortmund.
He brings a combination of directness, pace, and composure that could trouble Atlético’s backline.
His ability to move between the wide areas and central spaces allows him to effectively partner with Lewandowski and exploit any gaps in Atlético’s defensive structure.
Simeone’s team will need to monitor Torres’ movement off the ball and his finishing ability closely.
Match Plan: Atletico
While not the whole story, While FC Barcelona’s weaknesses this season areeen clear enough for Athey tlético Madrid to use as a roadmap for success.
The Blaugrana’s defensive weakness, lack of coherent pressing and occasional indecision in the attacking third create openings that a tactically disciplined opponent like Atlético can exploit.
One of Barcelona’s biggest weaknesses is their tendency to concede early goals, which disrupts their rhythm and hands the opposition control of the game.
Nine of their 20 La Liga goals have come in the first half.
They’ve also conceded goals within four minutes, like against Leganés, which shows a worrying pattern of slow starts.
These early mistakes show that Barcelona is lacking focus and intensity from the start, which Atlético can use to their advantage.
Atlético can look to take advantage of Barcelona’s vulnerability by playing at a fast pace from the start.
Players like Antoine Griezmann, who are great at spotting gaps and creating chances, will be key to making Barcelona pay for their slow start.
La Liga 2024/25: FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - Tactical Preview tactics analysis
Barcelona’s pressing issues make their defence even more vulnerable.
While Hansi Flick’s approach is all about proactive pressing, the way it’s been done has often been inconsistent.
The system relies on everyone’s cooperation, but gaps can appear when one player hesitates or misreads a situation.
Opponents have found success bypassing the press with direct, vertical passes.
This was clear in the loss to Leganés, where simple but precise movements showed that Barcelona’s structure was not as joined up as it could have been.
Atlético can use this to their advantage by playing a disciplined build-up that quickly transitions through the midfield.
Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul’s plan to find runners like Julián Álvarez or Alexander Sørloth in advanced positions could really shake up Barcelona’s defensive shape.
La Liga 2024/25: FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - Tactical Preview tactics analysis
Barcelona’s occasional over-reliance on intricate build-up play has also made them less efficient in attack.
Flick’s advice to focus on quick transitions and decisive finishing hasn’t always been reflected on the pitch.
Barcelona sometimes struggles to break through when they come up against compact defensive set-ups.
Atlético’s organised defensive block, led by José María Giménez and bolstered by the narrow positioning of their full-backs, can frustrate Barcelona by cutting off central passing lanes.
Simeone’s team can focus on forcing Barcelona to play wide, where they’re less threatening, and look to intercept or counter from these positions.
La Liga 2024/25: FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - Tactical Preview tactics analysis
On top of that, Barcelona’s squad rotation has shown that they lack depth and sharpness in the crucial moments.
In the match against Leganés, the decision to substitute Robert Lewandowski at a time when Barcelona needed a goal showed some uncertainty in the decision-making process.
Atlético can test Barcelona’s endurance by pushing them hard in the latter stages of the match.
If Atlético keeps up the pressure, they can exploit the mental and physical fatigue that has sometimes affected Barcelona, especially with so many upcoming games.
Finally, the temporary home at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys hasn’t been as impenetrable as Barcelona hoped.
The lack of enthusiasm from the stands has had a slight but noticeable effect on their performances.
Atlético can use the quiet atmosphere to their advantage, knowing that the home crowd might not be as intimidating as it is at Camp Nou.
Conclusion
This match will be a strategic battle between the managers, who will try to gain the upper hand.
Barcelona’s attacking firepower and home advantage make them the slight favourites, but Atlético’s defensive resilience and ability to capitalise on mistakes ensure they remain a formidable threat.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Barcelona can maintain its intensity and discipline throughout.
Atlético’s success may depend on its counterattacking precision and Griezmann’s creative brilliance.
As the game draws to a close, we’ll start to see how things stand in the La Liga title race.
If Barcelona win, they’ll be seen as the frontrunners again.
If Atlético win, they’ll be level on points and show they’re still in the title race.
No matter what happens, fans can look forward to a match that showcases the drama, skill, and passion of Spanish football at its best.
Luis Kircher is a football analyst living in Germany. He is currently getting his MBA in Sports Management. You can find him on X at @LuisKircher.