Atletico Madrid can go atop La Liga’s table and amp up the title race when leaders Barcelona visit the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday in Madrid.

That’s easier said than done, as Barca have lost just once this league season — to Real Madrid — and have a gaudy +34 goal differential thanks to the combined 25 goals of Raphinha (15) and Lamine Yamal.

Both teams are coming off midweek Champions League affairs, as Atleti lost 2-0 to visiting Bayern Munich and Barca smashed Aston Villa 3-0.

Atleti have beaten rivals Real, who have two losses, and will carry the rare vibe that comes with knowing Real would prefer Atleti to win (though really they’d prefer a draw).

Real open the weekend three points back of Barca and can go level on points with a win at Valencia on Saturday.

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 3pm ET Sunday, November 5

Venue: Metropolitano Stadium — Madrid

TV Channel/stream link:: ESPN+

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona team news

Atletico Madrid are relatively healthy but their injuries are all in the midfield. USMNT man Johnny Cardoso is injured and Morten Hjulmand suspended, while Koke returned to play 30 minutes off the bench at midweek against Bayern.

Barca will not have Rodri for a few weeks, denying the World Cup winner a reunion with his former club. Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounder, and Xavi Espart are also missing from the team.

Raphinha has been crazy good for Barcelona, his 15 goals coming in 10 appearances spanning 723 minutes. Yet for as good as Barca have been in attack this season it’s possible they’ve been even better the other way — the Blaugranas are allowing 29 fewer shot attempts than anyone else in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona prediction

La Liga has delivered goal fests a-plenty and there’s reason to believe openings will be there for both teams to strike despite Barca’s defensive strength this season. Look for a tight one here. Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona.