Tricky trip to Atletico for Barcelona

Barcelona faces a tricky match against a rejuvenated Atletico Madrid on Sunday when it can ill afford to drop any more points with Real Madrid holding a 10-point lead in the league standings.

Atletico hasn't lost in seven league matches since Diego Simeone took over coaching duties to start the new year, and the Vicente Calderon has not been friendly to Barcelona of late. The three-time defending champions have lost in three of their last four visits.

Madrid plays at Rayo Vallecano earlier on Sunday. The league leaders are without forwards Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria, who recently picked up injuries.