Previews
SUN 11.01.2015
The Camp Nou hosts one of the games of the weekend in matchday 18 of Liga BBVA. FC Barcelona host Atlético Madrid with both sides looking for three points that will help them close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid.
Also, the home side will be looking to forget their defeat last time out against Real Sociedad and strengthen their position in second place, but they will have to do so against an in-form side who have recorded successive wins over Athletic Club and Levante UD.
Team news
For Diego Simeone, Miranda is back in the squad after recovering from injury. Meanwhile, Ansaldi, Cristian Rodríguez and Cani have not travelled. Xavi Hernández, meanwhile, is a doubt for the home side.
View from the dugout
"The challenge is an attractive one. We go into the game with a lot of motivation. Atlético stand out for their high level teamwork, their danger from set pieces and their counter", said Luis Enrique in his pre-match press conference.
His counterpart on the Atleti bench, Diego Simeone, showed his respect for their opponents: "FC Barcelona are a side who keep possession, with great individuals all over the pitch. They can play on the counterattack, keep possession and have a good pressing game. For me they still have the same qualities that made them the best side in the world".
© LALIGA - 2015
