GK: Jan Oblak
Joan García is an excellent young goalkeeper who will likely develop into one of the world’s best, but Jan Oblak has been within the keeping elite for over a decade. The Slovenian stopper has been a mainstay of Simeone’s Atlético, keeping 230 clean sheets in 512 appearances to date.
RB: Jules Koundé
Despite having a torrid time against Chelsea, Koundé is still a strong presence on the right of the Barcelona defence. No defender in Hansi Flick’s all-out attacking philosophy has it easy, yet the Frenchman is rarely bettered by his winger. Nahuel Molina is a solid presence for both Atlético and Argentina, but Koundé just edges it.
RCB: Robin Le Normand
Currently sidelined with a knee injury, but when fit Le Normand is one of the most dominant centre-backs in the league. He’s a formidable presence in the air and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Gets the nod over Ronald Araújo as Le Normand is a more consistent, composed presence.
LCB: Pau Cubarsí
What a young talent Cubarsí is, he looks to be the latest in a long line of La Masia talents. Aged just 18, he is already a regular starter in Barcelona’s backline, impressing as a modern centre-back comfortable in possession and with excellent game intelligence and anticipation. David Hancko has settled in well at Atlético, but Cubarsí is already a level above.
LB: Alejandro Balde
Having started as Jordi Alba’s able-deputy, Balde is starting to come into his own on the left. Rarely the stand-out player, but well suited to Flick’s attacking system. Has started all but one league game he has been fit for this season. Gets in ahead of Atlético’s Matteo Ruggeri or Javier Galán.
RCM: Pedri
The best midfielder in the world? Certainly up there. His absence against Chelsea highlighted his importance to this Barcelona set-up. Pedri combines the close control and dribbling of Iniesta, while also possessing Xavi’s ability to dictate the tempo of any game. Will need to be part of a trophy-laden team to be remembered on their level, but individually he is certainly close.
CM: Frenkie de Jong
Despite undeniable talent and game intelligence, to an extent the jury is still out on whether Frenkie de Jong is world-class. His game has never been about goal contributions, instead about his ability to control a game. Gets into this combined XI ahead of any Atlético midfielder, but might not be remembered among the Barcelona midfield greats.
LCM: Fermín López
Fermín López had a breakout season in 2024/25 and has continued to shine this season with 7 goals and 4 assists already. Predominantly deployed as an attacking midfielder, López will be a big miss for Barcelona tonight as he is sidelined with a muscle injury.
RW: Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s talisman and second only to Kylian Mbappé in terms of talent in La Liga. Since returning from a groin injury, Yamal has contributed three goals and four assists, and will be instrumental in Barcelona’s hopes of victory over Atlético Madrid.
ST: Julián Alvarez
One of the most in-form and in-demand strikers in world football at present. Julián Alvarez has been on fire this season, thriving as Atlético’s main man. Lewandowski has more league goals in less starts than Alvarez, but it is the Argentine who is currently the more complete striker.
LW: Raphinha
Only recently back in the squad following a long thigh injury, Raphinha was consistently one of Barcelona’s star players before his stint on the sidelines. The Brazilian started against Alavés – contributing a first-half assist – and is expected to once again start tonight against Atlético.
