Atlético Femenino in do-or-die clash with Barcelona Femení

Atlético Madrid and Barcelona’s rivalry shifts on the front of women’s football on Saturday, with the Spanish title on the line. Both teams share the Liga Iberdrola lead with 74 points, and kick-off is at 17.15 GMT+1.

The Colchoneros have an advantage over Barcelona, as with a victory over their rivals they can claim the title due to a victory (2-1) in the direct encounter played at the Vicente Calderón in the first round.

Naturally, a draw would also favour Atlético as with a win in their last match against Real Sociedad, they can clinch the championship on home soil.

Nonetheless, a win for the Catalan side would put Barcelona in the driving seat as they face Levante in their final fixture and would be just one point away from winning the title.

Besides the title challenge, Saturday evening’s match will be also important for two of the best forwards in the league. Barcelona forward Jenny Hermoso is leading the goal scorer table with 33 goals, just ahead of Atlético talisman Sonia Bermúdez, who has found the net on 31 occasions this season.

Atlético are still unbeaten in league play this season while Barcelona have only lost twice. The latter also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, but were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain. (Unlike the men’s Champions League.)

Nonetheless, Barcelona are still unbeaten at home and have only dropped points against third-place Valencia in all 14 games.

On the other side, Atlético have maintained just a single clean sheet since their game against Oiartzun, on April 1, when they emerged winners 4-1.

This could be an historic evening for Atleti, as with a victory against Barcelona they can lift their first ever championship, adding more silverware to their cabin following last season’s Copa De La Reina.

Possible starting XI’s:

Barcelona: Sandra Panos; Marta Unzue, Roddik, Miriam, Mariona, Hermoso, Alexia, Ouahabi, Losada, Torrejon.

Atletico Madrid: Lola Gallardo; Kenti Robles, Mapi, Andrea Pereira, Menayo, Silvia Meseguer, Amanda, Sonia, Priscila, Marta Corredera, Esther.