Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Official lineups confirmed as Lookman and Hamza Abdelkarim start on the bench

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Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have officially announced their starting lineups for Sunday's highly anticipated La Liga Matchday 12 clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

The encounter, scheduled for 20:00 GMT on 8 November 2026, could have a major impact on the title race, with Barcelona leading Atlético by just two points.

Diego Simeone has opted for Julian Alvarez and Lee Kang-in in attack, leaving Nigeria international Ademola Lookman on the bench.

Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has selected Marc Bernal alongside Pedri in midfield, with Egyptian prospect Hamza Abdelkarim also named among the substitutes.

Read Also: Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Where to watch the La Liga round 12 match live on TV channels

Atletico Madrid official starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

• Jan Oblak
• Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Alejandro Grimaldo
• Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand, Alex Baena
• Lee Kang-in, Julian Alvarez

Notable substitutes: Ademola Lookman, Alexander Sorloth, Jonathan David, Koke and Robin Le Normand.

Simeone's decision to bench Lookman is particularly notable given the Nigerian's previous performances against Barcelona.

The Super Eagles forward scored during Atletico's memorable 4-0 Copa del Rey victory over the Catalan giants earlier in 2026.

As Foot Africa previously highlighted, Lookman has demonstrated his ability to influence major matches since joining Atletico.

He could still play an important role as an attacking substitute.

Barcelona official starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

• Joan Garcia
• Brian Farinas, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo
• Marc Bernal, Pedri, Fermin Lopez
• Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon

Notable substitutes: Hamza Abdelkarim, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Gabriel Jesus, Karim Adeyemi, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen.

Flick's selection confirms Bernal's place in midfield following Rodri's injury while Raphinha leads the attacking line alongside Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.

The inclusion of Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim on the bench offers another interesting African connection to the encounter.

The former Al Ahly forward joined the Catalan club earlier this year, a move previously covered by Foot Africa.

A crucial battle for the La Liga summit

Barcelona enter the encounter with 30 points from 11 matches while Atlético Madrid sit second with 28.

A home victory would take Simeone's side above Barcelona, whereas Flick's team can extend their advantage to five points with an away win.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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