LaLiga
Barcelona aiming to cement top spot against Atleti
Hansi Flick has stressed the importance of going into the international break at the top of LaLiga as Barcelona prepares to lock horns with Atletico Madrid on Monday (AEDT).… Show More
Hansi Flick has stressed the importance of going into the international break at the top of LaLiga as Barcelona prepares to lock horns with Atletico Madrid on Monday (AEDT).
Barcelona makes the trip to Estadio Metropolitano with a two-point buffer over Diego Simeone's side, and has won its past four away LaLiga games against Atletico.
However, Atletico comes into the clash having won its past seven LaLiga matches, only managing a longer winning run in January 2025, when it won eight games in a row.
"Every game is important. There are three or four excellent teams in LaLiga that are tight in the standings," Flick said.
"It's important to beat Atletico there. We'll give it our all, but there's a long way to go until the end of the season.
"They are a tough team with a fantastic coach. It will be a demanding match. The previous games are in the past.
"The important thing is tomorrow, and we know that they are a fantastic team, and we want and must win to be at the top of the table before the break."
Barcelona arrives in a rich vein of form, having returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Flick's side has scored 46 goals in 11 games in the 2026-2027 LaLiga season, and its form has been spearheaded by Raphinha, who has scored 15 goals in 10 games.
The Brazilian put pen to paper on a new contract with Barcelona earlier this week, extending his stay in Spain until at least 2030.
"I think it's the best situation for the club and for Rapha. I'm happy with his renewal, it's important for the future of the club. He's our captain," Flick said of Raphinha.
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