Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona face each other this Sunday from 9:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Stadium in Madrid. The event brings together two teams fighting for first position in La Liga 2026/27.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone has confirmed that Rodri did not travel to the stadium due to a muscle injury. To fill his gap, Bernal will serve as a false nine alongside Kang-In Lee and Julín.
On the visiting team, Raphinha and Yamal form the starting offensive duo under the three quarters. Cancelo and Farias complete the defense; Fermán and Pedri give balance to the midfield. Gordon comes in for Marcus De la Fuente at left back.
The match is played as the finishing touch to a day that could alter the league leadership. The red and whites already beat the Blaugrana in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and in the Champions League last season.
From Italy, Il Messaggero highlights that both teams are tied on points and that no result is certain until the end of the match.
Bernal, Atltico's brand new summer signing, will make his debut tonight defending the left back against Barcelona. Julín will also make his debut tonight after having tried to sign for the Catalan club last summer.
The general sports director of the Madrid club will probably appear tomorrow, Monday, to explain the call and the absences due to injury.
The Mexican fan will be able to follow the match on DAZN with complete coverage including goalkeepers Szczesny and Livakovic.
Simeone has asked his players not to give anything for free and focus on defending well before attacking. The players have responded with maximum concentration during all pre-match training.
The designated referee will be Andrés Rojo Martínez, according to the sources consulted by EL PAÍS. He was expected to assume this responsibility in previous league games.
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