Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is in bullish mood ahead of [Sunday’s huge La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/barcelona-la-liga/2025/3/15/24385664/how-will-barca-line-up-against-atletico-madrid-la-liga).
Both teams are still in the hunt for the title and know that a victory would be a huge boost to their chances of finishing top of the pile come May.
[Atletico beat Barcelona earlier in the season at Montjuic](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/12/21/24325277/barcelona-atletico-madrid-la-liga-final-score-match-report-recap-reactions), and De Jong knows his side face a very difficult game on Sunday.
> “We’re arriving well, we’re in good form. We’re playing well, we’re winning most of our matches and we’re confident,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
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> “Atlético are a top team and it’s going to be tough. Every match is different, but Atlético are a top team.
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> “You have to be focused for 90 minutes or more, because they can hurt you at any moment. It’s very important, they’re a direct rival.
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> “If you win, you’ll take three points off them and we’ll get them. It’s a very important match.”
Barcelona head into the match after booking their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, while Atletico were knocked out by Real Madrid after being taken all the way to a penalty shootout.