Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi scored a brace in Barcelona's 5-1 win over Leganes on 17 September Reuters

Champions Barcelona face a stern test of their mettle against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on 21 September.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 9pm BST. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 HD.

Overview

Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga as goals from Neymar, Rafinha, Luiz Suarez and a Lionel Messi double gave them a 5-1 win over Leganes at the weekend. The Catalan giants have won seven of their last meetings with Atletico Madrid.

Luis Enrique will be without centre-back Samuel Umtiti after the Frenchman injured his knee in training.

Atletico Madrid recorded their third straight win on the bounce by thrashing Sporting Gijon 5-0 at the Vicente Calderon on 17 September. Diego Simeone's side have not conceded a goal in their last four matches in all competitions.

Tiago and Alessio Cerci remain sidelined for the visitors, who have no fresh injury concerns.

What managers say

Luis Enrique: "[Atletico Madrid] look like they're practically the same team that was so successful in the last few years, especially the way they defend and in other aspects of play like transition game, counterattack. And with their new players and their other players, they're one of the best teams in [La Liga]. They're aspiring to all the titles on the table, like they have in recent years with Simeone as their coach. And we have to do a lot of things well. Commit very few errors, play our game, try to control possession – we have to play a complete game."

Diego Simeone: "[Barcelona] always have their identity and their football. They will have [Javier] Mascherano in the centre, and all their usual players. Sergi Roberto on the right gives them more options in attack. The rest will be the same. More than in midfield, the game will be decided in the areas. They have a tremendous offensive power. If we defend well, we will have our chances. The middle of the pitch is for transitions."

Form guide

  • Barcelona (all competitions): WWLWW
  • Last result: Leganes 1-5 Barcelona
  • Atletico Madrid (all competitions): WWWDD
  • Last result: Atletico Madrid 5-0 Sporting Gijon

Betting odds (Betfair)

  • Barcelona win: 8/13
  • Draw: 29/10
  • Atletico Madrid win: 9/2

Team news

Barcelona possible XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Atletico Madrid possible XI: Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Luis; Fernandez, Saul, Koke; Griezmann, Gameiro, Carrasco

Barcelona Atletico Madrid