Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news

Barcelona meet Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night at the Camp Nou.

The two teams meet for the second time this week with Barcelona winning the last match 2-1.

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news

• Date: Wednesday, 8th April.
• Kick-off: 8pm BST.
• Venue: Camp Nou.

Barcelona team news

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is navigating a complex injury list but welcomes back some vital defensive reinforcements.

The most significant boost for the Blaugrana is the availability of Ronald Araujo; the Uruguayan was forced off during the weekend’s league victory over Atletico with a minor muscle strain, but he has been cleared to start tonight.

He is expected to partner the young Pau Cubarsí in central defence, with Jules Koundé also likely to return to the starting XI after being managed carefully.

However, Marc Bernal is officially ruled out after picking up a Grade 1 ankle sprain on Saturday, joining the long-term absentee Andreas Christensen on the sidelines.

Furthermore, Frenkie de Jong remains unavailable due to a persistent thigh issue. In attack, the absence of Raphinha due to a hamstring injury sustained on international duty is a blow, but Marcus Rashford is expected to fill that void on the left wing, supporting Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.

Atletico Madrid team news

Diego Simeone opted to rest several key pillars in the 2-1 defeat against Barcelona just days ago to ensure maximum freshness for this European encounter.

Jan Oblak, David Hancko, and the duo of Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez are all refreshed and expected to return to the starting lineup immediately.

Despite these high-profile returns, “El Cholo” faces some selection headaches in his midfield and defensive rotations.

Pablo Barrios is confirmed out with a thigh injury, and Rodrigo Mendoza remains sidelined with an ankle sprain.

Jose Giménez and Johnny Cardoso; both players are carrying muscle discomfort and are considered major doubts for the starting whistle.

Antoine Griezmann, however, is fully fit and remains the focal point of an Atleti side looking for a vital away goal.

Form

Barcelona

Barcelona are in sensational form, having won eight of their last nine matches across all competitions. A late Robert Lewandowski goal secured a 2–1 victory against Atletico on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points. This streak, including an 8–3 aggregate demolition of Newcastle in the previous round, has instilled immense confidence as they chase a domestic and European double.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico’s form is more turbulent, marked by two consecutive losses to Real Madrid (3–2) and Barcelona (2–1).

They recently advanced past Tottenham in a high-scoring European tie. They currently sit fourth in the La Liga table with 57 points from 30 matches, one point behind third-placed Villarreal.

Predicted lineups

Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; E Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Baena; Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman; Alvarez

How to watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?

UK fans can watch it live on TNT Sports 2, while they can stream the same via the TNT Sports app or Discovery+ with a subscription.

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