Alejandro Grimaldo relishing Barcelona reunion as he reveals excitement ahead of La Liga encounter: ‘Can’t wait for it to start’

Alejandro Grimaldo relishing Barcelona reunion as he reveals excitement ahead of La Liga encounter: ‘Can’t wait for it to start’ Alejandro Grimaldo is looking forward to facing Barcelona as Atletico Madrid prepare for Sunday’s crucial La Liga encounter at the Metropolitano .  The former Barcelona academy defender has highlighted the significance of the fixture, describing it as a special occasion for fans while expressing his excitement about experiencing the atmosphere in front of the Atletico crowd. The meeting also carries an interesting personal angle for Grimaldo, who left Barcelona in 2015 after failing to establish himself in the senior team.  Now an important figure in Atletico’s plans, the full-back will face his former club in a fixture that could have significant implications for the LaLiga title race. Grimaldo has a Barcelona past Grimaldo developed at La Masia before leaving Barcelona B for Benfica in 2015.  His inability to secure a first-team opportunity, alongside reported difficulties in his relationship with then-manager Luis Enrique, contributed to his departure. Since leaving Catalonia, the defender has faced Barcelona twice, both times representing Benfica during the 2021/22 Champions League group stage.  Grimaldo is eager to face Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Interestingly, he remains unbeaten in those encounters, as Benfica won the first meeting 3-0 before the return fixture finished goalless. The upcoming encounter will therefore provide another opportunity for Grimaldo to measure himself against the club where his professional development began, although his focus is on helping Atletico secure three important points. Grimaldo expects an incredible atmosphere at the Metropolitano Speaking on Atletico Madrid’s social media , the defender explained how much he is anticipating the fixture. “We’ve got a cracking match on Sunday. A match that’s a real treat for everyone to watch, a brilliant match for all of us at home with all our supporters. “Ultimately, it’s very important to play at home because our supporters help us give that extra bit that allows us to make the difference in every match. I can’t wait for it to start.” He also expects the Metropolitano to generate an intimidating atmosphere, drawing on his previous experience of the Madrid derby. Grimaldo trained at Barcelona’s La Masia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) “I’m expecting an incredible atmosphere. I’ve already experienced it in the derby against Real Madrid, which was mind-blowing.  “What’s more, right now it’s first against second, with the team in great form. “I think it’s going to be an incredible match with an amazing atmosphere – seeing the stadium full, seeing how they cheer us on, and seeing a team going all out for the three points.” Atletico’s momentum gives Grimaldo confidence ahead of Barcelona test The defender also believes Atletico are approaching the encounter in excellent condition after an encouraging run of results. “As a team, we’ve won loads of matches. We’re up there, fighting to stay in the race for LaLiga, and to be honest, it’s been an incredible month. “Ultimately, as I said at the start, it was all about adapting in those first few matches, and now I feel very much at home and very happy to be able to perform at my very best,” he concluded.