After the grand victory over Napoli, FC Barcelona are already looking ahead to their next challenge. Beating their opponents in the UEFA Champions League was only step one to this final phase of the season. For now, Barcelona return to their roots in La Liga before their next challenge comes along.
However, their upcoming opponents in the Spanish First Division also happen to be there in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid, led by the polarizing figure of Diego Simeone, are still alive both in La Liga and Europe’s Premiere competition. One of the finest from Spain, they pose a great threat to Barcelona.
While the first victory at the Montjuic Stadium went to Barça, this next game takes place in Atleti’s own home. The players at Barcelona are aware of this, and as Mundo Deportivo has highlighted, they already know the risks posed by their opponents from Madrid.
Pau Cubarsi, aged just 17, is already one of Barça’s best players. Even he has the awareness to know not to take Atletico Madrid as an easy team, and instead understands that FC Barcelona must give their all against them to ensure that La Liga still remains alive as he believes it to be:
Pau Cubarsi, aged just 17, is already one of Barça’s best players. Even he has the awareness to know not to take Atletico Madrid as an easy team, and instead understands that FC Barcelona must give their all against them to ensure that La Liga still remains alive, as he believes it to be:
“We have to give everything this Sunday against Atlético, we have not left the League yet, there is a lot of the League left and we will fight for it until the end.”
Lamine Yamal, one of his closest compatriots and another 16-year-old wonderkid at Barcelona, also believes that they have what it takes to beat Atletico Madrid:
“It will be a difficult game because Atletico is good on their day, but if we play our game we can achieve victory… We can get closer to (Real) Madrid and reach second place.”
With just less than 24 hours left to the game, Barcelona will be wrapping up their preparations. One of the great clashes in the La Liga calendar, both Xavi and Simeone will be ready for the match. A lot is at stake, but Barcelona showed against Napoli that they can take on anyone at their best.
