Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona prediction 16.03.2025 | La Liga

• Competition: La Liga
• Date: 16/03/2025
• KO: 20:00 UK / 21:00 CET
• Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano (Madrid)

The Riyadh Air Metropolitano is the host for a massive La Liga contest this weekend as Atletico Madrid takes on title rivals Barcelona. 

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Betting Tips - Barcelona to Win

A fascinating matchup in a remarkably close title race sees third-placed Atletico host top-of-the-table Barcelona at the Metropolitano on Sunday. Separated by just one point, this weekend's fixture is likely to prove crucial in the fight for the La Liga crown.

After contrasting fortunes in their midweek Champions League (UCL) round of sixteen ties, Barcelona arrives in Madrid with plenty of reasons to be confident of maintaining their superb winning form.

The Catalans secured their place in the UCL quarter-finals with a dazzling first-half display in MontJuic that saw Hansi Flick´s side ease to a 3-1 victory. An inspired Lamine Yamal scored one and made another as El Blaugrana chalked up a third win in nine days.

An outstanding run of form in 2025 has seen Barcelona remain unbeaten in 17 matches played across all competitions. Flick´s men won 14 of those games including each of their last six league fixtures, and their five most recent road contests. 

While Barca arrive in Madrid with spirits piqued, Atletico comes into this crucial fixture potentially mentally and physically drained after a heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat against city rivals Real Madid on Wednesday. 

Having trailed 2:1 from last week´s UCL round of sixteen first leg at the Bernabeu, Diego Simeone´s side were unable to add to Conor Gallagher´s first-minute strike, with a 1:0 win sending the tie to the dread spot kicks where Real secured a 4:2 triumph.

Atletico are in possession of an outstanding home record this season, however, they have lost both of their last two Metropolitano matches against Barcelona, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the in-form league leaders edge to a vital victory on Sunday.

In what should prove a more high-scoring contest than that witnessed in Wednesday's UCL tie in Madrid, I expect Barcelona´s attacking quality to come to the fore. Each of the last three meetings between these rivals saw at least three goals scored, including a remarkable 4:4 Copa del Rey just two weeks ago.

I'm putting my stake on the Catalans to win, while we can also be confident of both teams getting on the scoresheet.