Diego Simeone did not pretend his Atlético Madrid side were favorites. Two points separate them from Hansi Flick’s Barcelona at the top of La Liga ahead of Sunday night’s meeting at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and the Argentine told his pre-match press conference the challenge was obvious.

“I don’t have a reason to explain certain results. We’re always playing against a very good side, possibly the best, I have no doubt about that,” Simeone said.

Kick-off is at 9pm local time. Barcelona arrive with 30 points from 11 matches and 46 goals already scored in La Liga, more than double Atlético’s 22. Atlético sit second on 28 points after seven straight league wins and the division’s best defensive record, with just eight goals conceded.

Rodri ruled out for a month

The absence that shapes the night is Rodri. Barcelona confirmed that the Spain midfielder had suffered a minor hamstring injury to his right leg after being taken off at halftime of the 3-0 Champions League win over Aston Villa.

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The club’s medical bulletin said his recovery would depend on his progress, with initial estimates putting him out for around a month. Dani Olmo, Roony Bardghji and Xavi Espart are also out, while Jules Koundé, Eric García and Andreas Christensen remain late calls.

Barcelona unbeaten at the Metropolitano since 2021

Atlético are without Cristian Romero and Johnny Cardoso. Morten Hjulmand returns to Simeone’s options after missing the midweek Champions League home defeat to Bayern Munich.

Simeone also found room for a word on his opposite number.

“Hansi Flick has done an extraordinary job since arriving at Barcelona,” he said.

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The head-to-head numbers cut in opposite directions. Atlético have not beaten Barcelona in La Liga since December 2024. Barcelona, in turn, have not lost away to Atlético in the league since October 2021.

Victory would take Atlético to the top of the table for the first time this season. A point would be enough for Barcelona to maintain the gap, after a stretch that has swung from the 6-1 win over Alavés and the 3-0 result against Aston Villa to earlier defeats by PSG and Real Madrid.

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