Atletico is a point behind both Barcelona and Madrid in the three-way fight for the trophy, with Barca having played a game less. So Diego Simeone’s team can hardly afford to lose on Sunday, but must quickly get over another excruciating defeat to its fierce crosstown rival in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are this year's La Liga protagonists, but not only that, all three are still alive in the Copa del Rey semifinals and the Champions League round of 16. Unquestionably, three of the best teams in Europe this season.

Reeling from a heartbreaking shootout defeat to rival Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Julián Álvarez and Atlético Madrid look to bounce back against Barcelona at the Metropolitano in Madrid,