5 reasons why Atletico Madrid will hand Barcelona their first defeat in La Liga
Atletico Madrid travel to Camp Nou to play their most important game of the season. They trail the table-toppers Barcelona by five points and with only 12 games remaining in the 2017-18 La Liga season, Atletico Madrid need a positive result to stay in touching distance of the Catalan giants in the La Liga standings.
Both teams are almost at their full strength and playing some exciting football at the moment. Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are in stunning form for Barcelona while Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa are in superb goalscoring mood for Atletico Madrid. Both teams had contrasting results in their previous fixtures. Atletico Madrid beat Leganes 4-0 while Barcelona drew with Las Palmas 1-1.
Without much ado, let’s take a look at the five reasons why the Rojiblancos will beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
#5 Atletico Madrid galvanized by the return of Diego Costa
Once a La Liga title winner with Atletico Madrid, Diego Costa was superb for the Rojiblancos before his move to the English giants Chelsea during the summer of 2014. After a successful stint with Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, the Spaniard returned to Chelsea during the 2018 January transfer window.
Atletico Madrid struggled in his absence as they failed to win a major trophy since 2014. They were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after the group stage and produced some inconsistent football this season.
Ever since his comeback, Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in La Liga. Goals have come easily after the return of Diego Costa. Atletico have scored 20 goals in nine games after his arrival, compared to 25 goals in 17 games without him.