Barca and Atletico look to boost title chances amid Real Madrid blip

BARCELONA and Atletico Madrid are looking to put down a marker in their respective title aspirations as the sides meet at Camp Nou for a midweek blockbuster.

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Barca sit precariously top of La Liga by a point from second-place Real Madrid after coming from behind to beat Alaves at the weekend for a fourth straight league win.

Fourth-placed Atletico, who won 2-0 at home to Real Oviedo at the weekend, trail Barcelona by three points.

Since losing 4-0 away at Arsenal in October, Atletico have now won seven games in a row in all competitions.

And as Real Madrid were held to a third consecutive La Liga draw in a 1-1 tie at lowly Girona on Sunday, Barcelona and Atletico will hope that they can take advantage of their rivals’ dip in form.

Despite the 3-1 win over Alaves, Barcelona’s boss Hansi Flick appeared close to tears after the game and was consoled by winger Raphinha.

Flick later said he was angered by some of the officiating, including the referee’s decision to red-card two of his staff members during the game.