Many of the top leagues in the world are already essentially decided at this point, but there is still a heated battle at the top of La Liga.
Currently, Barcelona sits all alone in first place. Barcelona have been a perennial contender for the Spanish title during the Lionel Messi era and are favored by many to win another La Liga banner this season. They have yet to drop a match with a 20-6-0 rating and a +56 goal differential.
There is still a chance they are caught though. Atletico Madrid is now just five points behind Barcelona and can make this a neck and neck race down the stretch with a win here.
Don't miss the Spanish La Liga action from the Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain at 10:15 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on BeIN Sports.
La Liga Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atletico Madrid +385
Barcelona -138
Draw +279
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
Atletico Madrid might be the best defensive team in the world at this point. Although they play in what many consider to be the best domestic league, they have allowed just 11 goals in 26 La Liga matches. That’s an incredible number considering the prolific offenses in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Barcelona might have the best attack in the world. The Catalans aren’t the goal-scoring team they once were, but they can still put on a show when need be.
The last time these teams met, Atletico nearly pulled off the upset. Atletico scored just past the 20-minute mark when Niguez Saul fired a strike into the top corner of the net. The club then settled into its typical defensive stance and Barcelona were unable to break through for the next 60 minutes. However, in the last 10 minutes of action a Sergi Roberto cross found Luis Suarez in the box, and Suarez headed it home to get the 1-1 draw.
Key Absences
Barcelona may be without two key pieces at the back for this game. In their 6-1 win against Gerona, Gerard Pique and Nelson Semedo both left with injuries. Pique has been dealing with knee injuries lately, and it looked like he may have hurt his knee even more. He took a knock and went down, and had to be replaced after being unable to move well.
Semedo has been a solid performer at right back this season and may this one too. He seemed to pull his hamstring and his status for this match is in doubt.
Lucas Hernandez of Atletico might miss this one too. The central defender has missed three straight matches due to a hamstring injury.
Player to Watch
Antoine Griezmann may spend some time chatting it up with Barcelona players during dead balls and stoppages. The talented Atletico forward is heavily rumored to be joining the club this offseason after four years in Madrid.
Griezmann has been incredible during his time with Atletico. He was the only reliable goal scorer before the club added Diego Costa from Chelsea near the deadline, and has shined now that he has a talented forward to work with.
Last week against Sevilla, Griezmann showed why he is considered a world class forward. He netted a hattrick in an absolute rout of Sevilla on the road and has now led Atletico to six straight wins in La Liga play.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Although the game is in Barcelona, there are a few reasons to like Atletico in this one. The club is playing well and they don’t have to worry about keeping their players fresh for Champions League matches either. Additionally, while Atletico are a pretty young side, Barcelona’s squad is full of veterans and the club has drawn in three of its last six La Liga matches.
Spanish La Liga Odds: Atletico Madrid 1, Sevilla 1
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