FC Barcelona have a crucial match awaiting them in La Liga as they face Atletico Madrid on Saturday in their last game of the year 2024.
This game is important not only because both the teams will be looking to end their year on a positive note and because of the historic rivalry between them, but also, more importantly, because of the implications that it can have on the league table, as both of them are currently tied at 38 points on the top of the table.
Barcelona captain Raphinha has already spoken ahead of this game, and now, as Diario AS has reported, the Atletico Madrid captain, Koke, also appeared in a recent interview in which he talked about the upcoming game.
One of the most notable absences on the Barcelona team for this game will be Lamine Yamal, who has become an integral part of Hansi Flick’s forward line, but is unavailable for this game because of an injury to his ankle.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 15: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is presented with the Golden Boy 2024 award prior to the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and CD Leganes at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on December 15, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Talking about the young winger’s absence, Koke was clear that this could benefit his team in this game:
“He is one of the most unique players Barcelona has, and it’s a shame because you always want to play against the best. But it’s an advantage for us because, theoretically, taking out one of the best benefits us.”
There is no doubt that Barcelona will miss Yamal a lot in this game. This is especially clear from the way the Blaugranes dropped points against Real Sociedad and Las Palmas the last time the winger was unavailable.
But despite his absence, this game promises to be a highly entertaining affair, as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have been the two stand-out teams in Spain this season. Hopefully, the Blaugranes will be able to get a win in this game to end the year at the top of the La Liga table.
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