Barcelona and Atletico Madrid clash in La Liga title showdown

Atletico Madrid could reduce the gap between themselves and the summit of La Liga with victory over Barcelona on Saturday.

Diego Simeone’s side could move to within five points of the League leaders with seven games remaining if they can achieve maximum points at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona’s defence frailties were on show on Tuesday night as the Catalan giants came from behind in dramatic style to draw 4-4 with Espanyol on Tuesday night despite entering the final minute 4-2 down.

And Madrid kept their hopes of upsetting the League leaders with a 2-0 victory over Girona.

Goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez restored parity for the reigning champions as their lead at the summit of the League was limited to just eight points, and Atleti manager Simeone has not given up hope in catching the Catalan side.

“We have to stay as high as we can. We will try to win [at Barcelona].” he said.

“The important thing is that we are all together. Whether it’s a coach or a player, since I came to the club I have always seen that the important thing was that union.”

Despite showing a few weaknesses on Tuesday night, Sergi Roberto labelled the draw a one-off with Barca keen to bounce back and strengthen their title credentials, starting with victory against Atleti on Saturday.

“We knew Atletico had won and we looked to get a point until the end, the point is good and we will play for it all on Saturday,” the right-back said, as quoted by Sport.

“We want LaLiga, then the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

“Now it’s about LaLiga and against Atletico it will be a vital game, a final. If we get the win it will be very important for us.”