Molina’s Secret Weapon Could Tip Atlético Madrid’s Clash with Barcelona
25 March 2026
La Liga Showdown: Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona
Atlético Madrid are gearing up for a fiery clash with Barcelona, scheduled for April 4, in round 30 of La Liga.
After the current international break, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona meet again in the league, a match with heightened importance for Barça as they chase Real Madrid in the title race.
Flick’s team cannot afford any slip in the league, sitting four points behind Real Madrid. They need the three points more than Atlético this time and cannot afford to rest their core players.
Following a highly anticipated league showdown, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona will also compete for a spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, adding extra pressure to the clash.
Sport newspaper states: "This time, Atlético Madrid has a weapon few expected, which could prove decisive in this encounter. It’s Nahuel Molina, the Argentine full-back who has faced criticism for his performances but, in recent weeks, has impressed with his on-field form and, notably, his goal-scoring ability."
It adds: "Molina scored back-to-back goals, against Getafe and Real Madrid, with stunning long-range strikes that add a new attacking option for his side. Opponents did not anticipate this facet of the Argentine defender, which could change the course of the match in Atlético's favour. It even seems the player himself only recently discovered this power thanks to his long-range shooting."
The paper concludes: "It remains to be seen whether this sparkle lasts or whether it’s a mere fluke. For now, in the La Liga clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, all signs point to Molina starting, in the absence of Marcos Yurente. The question remains: can Nahuel Molina, with his superb goals, be the decisive factor in Barcelona's challenge?"
(Read also)… Simeone in trouble: absence of Atlético duo ahead of Barcelona clash.
Punchline 1: If Molina keeps peppering the goal from distance, Barca might start charging rent for space in front of the net.
Punchline 2: Barcelona’s defense will need a permit to enter the day Molina is in form—the goalkeeper might want an exemption too, just to keep his job interesting.
