Madrid, Oct 13 (AFP) The biggest game of the La Ligaseason so far is shrouded in political tension as Barcelonavisit Atletico Madrid tomorrow in their first trip to theSpanish capital since a Catalan independence referendum marredby violence.
Barca played their last match behind closed doors as theOctober 1 referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanishgovernment, took place amid chaotic scenes as police seizedballot papers and clashed with voters leaving 92 injured,among nearly 900 who sought medical attention.
"It was one of the worst moments we've experienced,"Barca captain Andres Iniesta told Catalunya radio this week.
"It was a bit surreal."Iniesta, 33, signed a first ever "contract for life" atBarca last week, a day after calling on both sides of thepolitical spectrum to negotiate.
However, deep divisions remain despite Cataloniapresident Carles Puigdemont's decision to suspend the effectsof a unilateral declaration of independence on Tuesday.
"It has reached a point which isn't good for anyone,"added Iniesta. "Those in charge have to resolve it."Only 250 tickets have been made available to away fans atAtletico's new 68,000 capacity Wanda Metropolitano.
However, many Atletico fans have taken to social media toencourage supporters not to politicise the match by wavingSpanish flags by using the hashtag "our flag is red and white"on Twitter.
- Pique 'admirable' - =====================Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been outspoken in hiscall for Catalonia's right to self-determination, although hehas never publicly backed independence for the region.
Pique was jeered when playing for Spain in Alicante lastweek, but he received support for his willingness to speak outfrom Atletico defender Filipe Luis.
"I am a fan of Pique even if at times I don't agree withwhat he says," the Brazilian told El Mundo.
"He puts himself out there, he doesn't hide behind hisfame to not say what he thinks.
"It is admirable and I wish more footballers were likehim."Despite a series of distractions, including the loss ofNeymar to Paris Saint-Germain and calls for Barca presidentJosep Maria Bartomeu to resign on top of the Catalonia crisis,Barca have started La Liga with a perfect record after sevengames.
That spectacular form has been thanks to Lionel Messi's14 goals in 11 appearances for Barca this season, and thefive-time World Player of the Year also rescued Argentina'sfloundering World Cup qualifying campaign with a stunninghat-trick against Ecuador on Tuesday to ensure their place inRussia next year.
"Messi is so good he can win La Liga himself with amediocre team, which isn't the case," added Luis.
"Barca have remained at the top for so many years thanksto him."Atletico have yet to beat Barca in 11 La Liga meetingssince Diego Simeone took charge in 2011.
However, Barca are often vulnerable immediately after aninternational break with the likes of Messi and Luis Suarezonly returning to training in Barcelona on Friday.
"We are coming from the national team and they are anopponent that demands 200 percent from you," added Iniesta.
"If we are not at the level required, we don't stand achance."Iniesta is, though, expected to be fit after missingSpain's final World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring strain.
Real Madrid are seven points adrift of Barca, but canclose the gap at the top earlier on Saturday when they travelto Getafe.
However, Real coach Zinedine Zidane will have to copewithout the injured Gareth Bale, Keylor Navas, Dani Carvajaland Mateo Kovacic.
Fixtures (all times GMT)FridayEspanyol v Levante (1900)SaturdayAthletic Bilbao v Sevilla (1100), Getafe v Real Madrid(1415), Alaves v Real Sociedad (1630), Atletico Madrid vBarcelona (1845)SundayEibar v Deportivo la Coruna (1000), Girona v Villarreal(1415), Malaga v Leganes (1630), Real Betis v Valencia (1845)MondayLas Palmas v Celta Vigo (1900). (AFP)ATK.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.