Atlético could take the lead if they defeat Barça

The defeat of FC Barcelona against Leganés (0-1) set LaLiga ablaze at the end of matchday 17. The culés let slip another opportunity at home to secure the lead and suffered their second consecutive defeat at Montjuïc. Six days before the clash against Atlético de Madrid (also at Lluís Companys), the culés could surrender the lead of the tournament to the 'colchoneros' if they lose next Saturday.

Diego Simeone's team defeated Getafe on Sunday (1-0) thanks to a solitary goal from Alexander Sorloth. The victory against the 'azulón' team was the seventh consecutive for the 'rojiblancos', a streak that has allowed them to equal Barça with one game less (17). The culés, on the other hand, have only managed to win one of their last six league matches (against Mallorca), with a record of three defeats (Real Sociedad, Las Palmas, and Leganés) and two draws (Celta and Betis). Five matchdays ago, Atlético was ten points behind Barça.

Atlético and Real Madrid, chasing Barça

In this sense, Atlético's streak, combined with Barça's slump, has put the 'colchoneros' in a favorable position, as the Madrid team still has to play their match of matchday 19 (date advanced by Barça due to the Supercopa de España). Another team still in the 'race' for the lead is Real Madrid, which also has a postponed match against Valencia (on January 3).

The 'merengues' could not win on Saturday in Vallecas (3-3), but they remain just one point behind the azulgranas and 'rojiblancos'. Looking ahead to the clash in Montjuïc between the leaders, recent history favors Barça. Simeone's team has not defeated Barcelona in LaLiga since October 2021 (2-0) and, on Catalan soil, the last 'colchonero' victory was in February 2006 (1-3).