Champions League: Barcelona Host Atlético Madrid In Quarter Final First Leg
Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid to Camp Nou on Wednesday night for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter final, with both sides arriving under contrasting momentum but carrying significant stakes in Europe.
The Catalan giants come into the clash on a high, having edged Atletico 2-1 in La Liga over the weekend courtesy of a late Robert Lewandowski strike. That result not only extended Barcelona’s dominance in recent head to head meetings, but also moved them seven points clear at the top of the domestic table, strengthening their grip on the title race.
Hansi Flick’s side have also been in formidable form across all competitions, going unbeaten for nearly two months. Their emphatic 8-3 aggregate victory over Newcastle United in the round of 16 highlighted their attacking strength, with Lamine Yamal continuing to impress during a standout season.
Atletico Seek Turnaround Despite Poor Form
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, enter the contest under pressure after three consecutive defeats in all competitions, including the recent loss to Barcelona. While they remain secure in fourth place in La Liga, their focus has shifted towards cup competitions, particularly the Champions League and the upcoming Copa del Rey final.
Despite their recent struggles, Diego Simeone’s men showed resilience in the previous round, advancing past Tottenham Hotspur with a 7-5 aggregate scoreline. Their ability to navigate high pressure European fixtures keeps them firmly in contention.
History Favours Atletico In Europe
While Barcelona may hold the upper hand in recent domestic meetings, history in the Champions League tells a different story. Atletico have won both previous quarter final encounters between the sides, eliminating Barcelona in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 editions.
That record, along with Barcelona’s limited success against Atletico in European competition, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this tie.
Team News And Injury Updates
Barcelona will be without Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha, with the latter sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained on international duty. Marc Bernal also remains unavailable.
There is some positive news for the hosts, as Ronald Araujo has been declared fit, while Jules Kounde is expected to return to the starting lineup after making his comeback from injury. Lewandowski is likely to lead the attack, with Marcus Rashford pushing to retain his place on the left flank.
Atletico Madrid also have injury concerns, with Pablo Barrios ruled out and doubts surrounding Jose Gimenez and Johnny Cardoso. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak has returned to training and could be available, providing a timely boost for Simeone’s side.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; E Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Baena; Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman; Alvarez
What To Expect At Camp Nou
With both teams balancing injuries and expectations, the first leg is set to be a tightly contested affair. Barcelona’s attacking quality and current form make them favourites, but Atletico’s strong European track record against the Catalan side ensures this quarter final remains finely poised ahead of kick off.