This Wednesday evening, Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid to Camp Nou for the initial encounter of their Champions League last-eight clash.
The Catalan giants approach this matchup in excellent shape, having defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in La Liga mere days prior, courtesy of a decisive strike from Robert Lewandowski. This outcome propelled them to a seven-point lead at the summit of the league and prolonged their remarkable streak without defeat across all tournaments.
Nevertheless, Barcelona’s Champions League history against Atletico proves less compelling. They have suffered defeat in both prior quarter-final showdowns between the clubs, experiencing eliminations in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 seasons.
Atletico Madrid, conversely, face considerable pressure upon arrival, following three successive losses across all competitions. Yet, Diego Simeone’s squad still poses a threat in cup competitions, having advanced beyond Tottenham in the preceding elimination stage.
Squad updates for Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid
Barcelona will be missing Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha, all sidelined by injuries. Nonetheless, Ronald Araujo is anticipated to be available notwithstanding a recent concern.
Jules Kounde might make a comeback to the first eleven, and Lewandowski is poised to spearhead the offensive. Marcus Rashford is vying to keep his spot on the left wing following his recent displays.
Atletico Madrid have been given a boost with the comeback of Jan Oblak to training, though Pablo Barrios is still unavailable. Jose Gimenez and Johnny Cardoso are questionable.
Julian Alvarez is anticipated to feature in the initial lineup, probably partnering Antoine Griezmann in the forward line.
Anticipated Starting Formations for Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid
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
Key Statistics for Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid
- Barcelona has remained undefeated across all competitions for nearly eight weeks.
- Barcelona has emerged victorious in five of their most recent six encounters with Atletico Madrid.
- Atletico Madrid has suffered defeat in their previous three games across all competitions.
- Barcelona netted eight goals over both legs against Newcastle in the earlier stage.
- Atletico Madrid has failed to reach the Champions League penultimate stage since the 2016-17 season.
Viewing Information for Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid
The game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 2, with access also provided through the HBO Max (previously Discovery+) streaming platform.
The start is set for 20:00 BST at Camp Nou.
Forecast for Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid
Barcelona
3
–
2
Atletico Madrid
These two teams frequently deliver thrilling spectacles when they meet, as demonstrated in this season’s Copa Del Rey semi-final. Anticipate a goal-laden and unpredictable clash, with Barcelona emerging victorious in this initial encounter.
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