Barcelona are set to finish 2024 with a highly-anticipated conflict towards Atletico Madrid.
The match, scheduled for Saturday at Montjuic, guarantees to be an exhilarating encounter as Diego Simeone’s facet arrives in spectacular kind, matching Barcelona on factors in La Liga.
For Hansi Flick’s males, this sport is not only concerning the outcome but additionally about regaining momentum within the league.
Pedri, one in all Barcelona’s key figures and captains, sees this fixture as an ideal alternative to bounce again after current setbacks in La Liga.
A Christmas present
Pedri needs to offer Barcelona followers a Christmas current. (Photograph by Fran Santiago/Getty Photographs)
Regardless of the challenges, he believes the crew can ship a robust efficiency and make their followers proud.
“I feel it’s a pleasant sport to reverse the final ends in La Liga, to beat that stoop. We need to give this Christmas present to the followers,” he started saying as quoted by SPORT.
Whereas the absence of Lamine Yamal will undoubtedly be felt, Pedri is assured that the squad has sufficient high quality to deal with the scenario and safe a optimistic outcome.
“The lack of Lamine is necessary as a result of he offers us lots, however we now have to have a look at the gamers we now have. There’s a squad to take the sport ahead.”
Dealing with a difficult crew
Pedri is aware of tips on how to problem Atletico Madrid. (Photograph by Eric Alonso/Getty Photographs)
Atletico Madrid, recognized for his or her disciplined and resilient gameplay, might be a tricky opponent. Simeone’s facet excels in establishing a strong defensive construction and capitalising on their attacking strengths.
Barcelona will must be sharp and targeted to interrupt down their low defensive block whereas keeping track of Atletico’s harmful attacking gamers, who’ve been in high-quality kind this season.
“They will play in a low block and with a line of defense that ‘Cholo’ all the time works very properly. They’ve differential gamers and they’re in a superb second. They are going to be a tough opponent,” he added.
Pau Cubarsi’s take
Pau Cubarsi famous Lamine Yamal’s absense. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
Younger centre-back Pau Cubarsi shares Pedri’s sentiment concerning the significance of this sport. He acknowledges the robust problem that Atletico poses however believes the crew should step up and strategy the sport with clear methods and most effort.
“It’s all the time a tricky sport, it’s important to exit with very clear concepts and a hundred percent as a result of Atlético is a good crew. Within the Champions League, we’re doing very properly, however in La Liga, we now have taken a step again. It should be us.”
Like Pedri, he additionally highlighted Lamine’s absence as a major blow, particularly given his contributions in assault, however stays optimistic that different gamers within the squad can rise to the event.
“It’s a elementary loss as a result of he offers us lots in assault, however we now have different gamers who will do it completely,” he added.
The stakes are excessive for Barcelona, as a victory would assist them reclaim their spot on the high of the desk heading into the brand new 12 months.