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Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 15
Dec 3, 2023 at 8pm UK
Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Atletico Madrid logo

Barcelona
1 - 0
Atletico

Felix (28')
Felix (50'), Torres (78'), Araujo (79'), Xavi (82'), Cancelo (87'), de Jong (90+3')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Gimenez (31'), Witsel (34'), Koke (38'), Azpilicueta (47')

Marc-Andre ter Stegen ruled out of Barcelona's clash with Atletico Madrid

Ter Stegen ruled out of Barcelona's clash with Atletico
© Reuters
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will Sunday's clash with Atletico Madrid due to a back issue.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of Sunday's clash with Atletico Madrid.

The German has missed his team's last two games against Rayo Vallecano and Porto due to the back issue that he suffered during the November international break.

The 31-year-old has also been ruled out of Sunday's game against Atletico, with the Catalan outfit's head coach Xavi revealing during his pre-match press conference that the stopper is not ready to return.

"He has been tested but he has a problem. He is not fit, he is ruled out for tomorrow," Xavi told reporters.

As a result, Inaki Pena will continue between the sticks, with the 24-year-old preparing to make his third appearance in a row for the reigning La Liga champions.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi on September 19, 2023© Reuters

Gavi is also unavailable for selection, with the midfielder out for the season due to a serious knee injury.

Barcelona are currently fourth in the La Liga table, level on points with third-placed Atletico, and the capital outfit also have a game in hand.

"From Atletico I would highlight the coach. For what he has done, what he has achieved because of his style," Xavi added during his press conference.

"He has changed the history of the club in the last 15 years. He has adapted to the players. He presses you high, a solid team. This is the greatness of Cholo (Diego Simeone), that everyone is committed."

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on November 4, 2023© Reuters

Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo in the league last weekend, and they have struggled to find their best form in recent weeks, which has led to criticism of the team.

"The team's play has dropped off and that's why the results haven't come. We have to be more consistent in our play. And more effective on the pitch," Xavi added.

"We can't say that we are in the best moment. We have played good minutes, but we have to improve and then the good results will come.

"If we don't win, it would mean fewer points, but the league is long. If we win, there is time. We have to be positive and think we can win."

Barcelona will face Atletico and Girona in back-to-back league matches before travelling to Royal Antwerp for their final Champions League group fixture on December 13.

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Matt Law
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Draw
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Atletico Madrid
29.5%
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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