Barcelona aim to catch Atletico in La Liga when they play Sevilla on Sunday, February 9, as they are three points behind the leaders.
Coach Gerardo Martino sees the match as key.
“This is probably one of the most important away matches we have got left. They are a very intense team, they have worked hard and they are strong. It was very difficult to win in the first game. They are strong at home, their strategy is good. So this match is key,” he told reporters at a news conference on Saturday, January 8.
Atletico Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s loss at home to Valencia last week to go top of La Liga with a 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad as Real Madrid also drew 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao.
The “Colchoneros” are now on top with 57 points, a number that could increase on Saturday when they play Almeria, and Barcelona and Real Madrid are behind with 54.
But Spain’s two biggest clubs are on course for a Copa del Rey final showdown after recording convincing home wins in their semi-final first legs on Wednesday, February 5.
Real thumped holders Atletico Madrid 3-0 at the Bernabeu, gaining a measure of revenge for the 2-1 defeat in last year’s final at the same stadium, while Barca beat 10-man Real Sociedad 2-0 at the Nou Camp.
Asked whether the coming ten days are key for Barca’s future in both national and international tournaments, Martino said:
“Regarding the Copa del Rey – yes. We are 90 minutes away from a final. Regarding the Champions League also, yes. We are starting the part where one of us goes one and the other one doesn’t. But regarding La Liga, I think there is still a long way to go.”
Barca play Real Sociedad in the cup second leg on Tuesday, February 11 and Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 on February 18.
“I don’t want to talk about extremely dramatic circumstances or extremely positive circumstances. What we have to do is focus on our side and get strong, knowing there are going to be a lot of comments regarding our performance after each match.” the Argentine added.
