The Atleti-Barça began with a padel tournament between club legends

The Atleti-Barça began with a padel tournament bringing together former figures from both clubs. Held on Thursday at Rivapadel Sports Club de Rivas Vaciamadrid, the sporting occasion came ahead of Sunday’s major LaLiga fixture, in which top spot will be at stake: Atlético de Madrid will host Barcelona.

Former Atlético players including Milinko Pantic, Mista, Miguel Ángel Moyà and Sergio Asenjo faced Barcelona legends such as Luis Milla, Dani García Lara, Alfonso Pérez and Ángel Cuéllar. Ezequiel Garay, Codina and Armenteros also took part. Restaurante El Vallina, a local establishment, contributed to the organisation of the tournament.

In La Liga, Barça are 1st with 30 points and Atleti are 2nd with 28 points, a 2-point gap.

Beyond the action on court, former players also discussed Sunday’s match. Miguel Ángel Moyà does not consider it decisive. «I wouldn’t use that word, because we are in the first half of the season and a thousand things can still happen. Barcelona started brilliantly on merit, and now the situation is very close. Atlético have been in impeccable form in the league. And, with home advantage, I see them as slight favourites. I’d give the rojiblancos a 55% chance and the azulgrana a 45% chance, because of the atmosphere at the Metropolitano for big matches.»

Luis Milla, who played for Barcelona and whose son came through Atlético’s academy, also shared his view of the clash. Ángel Cuéllar, who had a spell at Barcelona but spent most of his career at Betis, also spoke. Their comments came alongside the tournament, an informal opening to a week centred on the meeting between the two clubs.

The padel event provided a friendly prelude to a league fixture with major stakes. On Sunday, Atlético de Madrid will welcome Barcelona with the LaLiga lead on the line.