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Atletico Madrid logo
La Liga | Gameweek 29
Mar 17, 2024 at 8pm UK
Estadio Civitas Metropolitano
Barcelona logo

Atletico
0 - 3
Barcelona


De Paul (46'), Savic (61'), Barrios (89')
Molina (90+2')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Felix (38'), Lewandowski (47'), Lopez (65')
Kounde (33'), Xavi (41')
Xavi (42')

Barcelona boss Xavi confirms double fitness boost for Atletico Madrid clash

Barcelona boss Xavi confirms double fitness boost for Atletico clash
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Xavi reveals that both Ferran Torres and Marcos Alonso are set to return to the squad against Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that both Ferran Torres and Marcos Alonso are set to return to the squad for Sunday evening's La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid.

Torres has been out since the end of January with a hamstring injury, while Alonso has not been available since the end of November due to a back problem.

However, both have stepped up their recoveries in recent weeks, and Xavi has said that the duo are set to return to the squad for the league game against Atletico at Wanda Metropolitano.

"Tomorrow we will give the list. Both will be available for the squad, if nothing changes," the Barcelona head coach told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

Alonso has only made seven appearances for Barcelona this season, but Torres has featured 32 times, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists in the process.

Marcos Alonso in action for Barcelona on August 27, 2023© Reuters

The Catalan outfit will still be missing four players against Atletico, with Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Alejandro Balde unavailable for selection.

"Hopefully he will recover soon, we are positive. When he's 100% and has a good feeling, he'll be available again," added Xavi when asked about De Jong's fitness.

"Tomorrow is a vital game, like the rest that are left. They are very strong, especially at home. They've been doing very well in recent years. It's a really difficult game.

"We're in good shape, so are they. It's a ground where Atletico haven't lost in the league since we went there last season. Hopefully, we'll have a good game.

Barcelona head coach Xavi on January 21, 2024© Reuters

"Both teams are in very good spirits. Confidence is high. They had an important physical war and have had a day's rest less. We'll see. Our idea and mentality won't change, we're going for the three points."

Xavi also confirmed that he is involved in Barcelona's plans for next season despite the fact that he will be standing down as head coach this summer.

"I participate because I love this club. My decision doesn't change and I try to help as much as possible. I'm a club man, whatever I can do to help, I'll do it," he added.

Barcelona are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, and they will enter Sunday's clash off the back of a 3-1 win in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League contest, which saw them advance to the quarter-finals courtesy of a 4-2 success.

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Written by
Matt Law
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Atletico Madrid
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Draw
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Barcelona
37.4%
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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