Today’s derby match between Atletiko Madrid and Barcelona is probably the easiest one in coach Ronald Koeman’s schedule, and the reasons are obvious: he will not be in the dugout and this is probably his last game for the Catalonians. It has been widely reported that a 3-0 humiliation against Benfica in the Champions League was the final ‘nail in the coffin’ of this Barca squad and that the change is needed. Now, it’s only the matter of when, not if the Dutchman will be sacked, as president Laporta is lining up the possible successors. So today, Koeman can ease a bit, since he is still under suspension following a red card against Cadiz and for the first time, his counterpart Diego Simeone will be the favorite for this one. “Internal war affects the players, Xavi should’t accept Barca’Indeed, while Barcelona is in a mess, Atletico Madrid is the current La Liga champion and has two of Barca’s most prolific strikers in their ranks: Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez. Both players left Nou Kamp in not so good terms: Suarez was let go as too old, while the Frenchman was literally forced out due to his high salary. Both players will now face their old club for the first time (Suarez had Covid last year and didn’t play against Barca), and they will be extra motivated, especially the Uruguayan, who has scored against 30 of the 31 opponents he has faced in La Liga, failing only against Barcelona.Paint it Red & White. pic.twitter.com/YgT03QC17Q— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 1, 2021 But it’s not all that clear. Atletiko will be under huge pressure for two reasons: bad form and a favorite tag against Barcelona. The current La Liga champions have one of the best squads in recent history, have even a bigger budget than Barcelona and finally have enough number of strikers, and yet….they are playing bad and cannot score enough goals. The famous Cholo defense is now easy to break and the trio od Griezmann, Suarez and Joao Felix is still not clicking as it should. Even Simeone admitted that over the years teams have managed to figure him out and play successfully against him. Proof? Alaves managed his first victory (and goal) of the season against Atletico, and Milan were, as Simeone said it “superior” with 10 men against his team, in an last minute 2-1 win at San Siro. I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t knowSo, it will not be easy at all. The Spanish government allowed the full capacity stadiums and all 67000 seats at the Metropolitano is sold out. Everybody will expect from Atletico, Griezmann and Suarez to pile more misery on Barcelona. But, Koeman will not be in the dugout, but his assistant Alfred Schreuder, and Barca finally won against Levante with him at the helm. Also, Atletico Madrid have won just one of their last 11 home matches against Barcelona in La Liga. Failing to win against week Barca will definitely put a lot of pressure on Simeone and his players. A win is a must. Apart from the long time absentees Sergio Aguero, Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite, Pedro is out for this match, while only Matheus Cunha will miss out for the hosts. LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 8FridayAthletic Club – Alaves 1-0 (1-0)/Garcia 44/Saturday15:00: (2.30) Osasuna (3.30) Rayo Vallecano (3.45)17:15: (2.20) Mallorca (3.30) Levante (3.70)19:30: (3.30) Cadiz (3.10) Valencia (2.50)22:00: (1.95) Atl.Madrid (3.50) Barcelona (4.40)Sunday15:00: (3.40) Elche (3.15) Celta (2.40)17:15: (5.50) Espanyol (3.90) Real Madrid (1.70)19:30: (2.05) Villareal (3.50) Betis (3.90)19:30: (3.80) Getafe (3.15) Sociedad (2.25)22:00: (5.10) Granada (3.60) Sevilla (1.80)***odds are subject to change
