Barcelona's Neymar (2nd L) attempts to score against Atletico Madrid in the final minutes of their Spanish first division soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona May 17, 2014.
Barcelona's Neymar (2nd L) attempts to score against Atletico Madrid in the final minutes of their Spanish first division soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona May 17, 2014. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino

If there is a good time to play Barcelona, from the opposition's point of view, then it is now. If there is a bad time to play Atletico Madrid, from the opposition's point of view, probably it is now as well. Barcelona are currently embroiled in one negative news after another. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid have just beaten Real Madrid at home and have welcomed back cult figure Fernando Torres to the fold.

After 18 rounds of matches both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are on 38 points. Both teams have won 12 matches, drawn two and lost another three matches. Barcelona have scored 41 goals to Atletico's 34 and have conceded 8 to Atletico's 15. Barcelona have a better goal difference of 33 and Atletico have a goal difference of 19 to put the Catalan club a place higher on the league table. The league leaders, Real Madrid, which have played one less match less, are one point above them.

There have been 22 matches played between these two sides. Barcelona have won 12 of them, Atletico have won four and there have been six draws. The last match between these two teams were arguably the most famous of them all. Atletico Madrid needed a draw to win the La Liga and Barcelona needed a win. Barcelona were leading one nil but eventually Atletico equalized to draw the match and win the league on the last day of the season.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is under fire and a favourable result against the current La Liga champions and title contenders this season would provide him valuable breathing space. Earlier in the season, they lost another big match against Real Madrid albeit away from home. In the last three league matches, they have won, drawn and lost a game each.

Atletico Madrid on the other hand have played the big matches really well this season. They have already defeated Real Madrid twice this season first in the league then in the cup. With the arrival of Fernando Torres, manager Diego Simeone will have another experienced player who has excelled on the bigger stages around the world. In their last three league matches Atletico have won two and lost the third.

To contact the author of this article email a.biswas@IBTimes.com.au

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