The Champions League quarter-finals have a habit of throwing away familiar foes, but tonight’s game at the Camp Nou feels guilty.
Barcelona and Atlético Madrid meet in the first leg of their European tie just days after a La Liga match saw the Blaugrana win 2-1.
Barcelona are currently on a terrible run, winning eight of their last nine games in all competitions. Their approach to the quarter-finals was a statement of intent, as they thrashed Newcastle United 8-3 on aggregate in the previous round.
At home, they have turned Camp Nou into a goal-scoring hotbed, averaging three goals per game in Europe this season. However, Flick will have to navigate today’s chess match without Raphinha, who has a hamstring injury.
For Atlético Madrid, the Champions League has become the ultimate goal to “save our season”. Despite sitting comfortably in the top four at home, their recent form has been inexplicably poor, with three successive defeats including a loss to Barça at the weekend.
The most painful thing for Simeone is the continued absence of goalkeeper Jan Oblak. But historically, this is the game Atlético Madrid have used to cause Barcelona the most pain in Europe, famously eliminating them from this stage in 2014 and 2016.
Here’s how the sides match up tonight.
Barcelona team news
Marcus Rashford enters the team to replace the key player Raphinha and Jules Kounde and Dani Olmo also start. Fermin Lopez is on the bench looking solid.
Barcelona XI: Joan García, João Cancelo, Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, Pedri, Eric García, Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid club news
Veteran Koke joins the Atletico team with Joao Cardoso out due to injury. Indeed, Oblak is yet to be found while former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez hopes to shine in attack again.
Atletico XI: Juan Musso, Matteo Ruggeri, Dávid Hancko, Robin Le Normand, Nahuel Molina, Ademola Lookman, Koke, Marcos Llorente, Giuliano Simeone, Julián Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann
Champions League knockout meetings
- 13 April 2016: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Barcelona (Griezmann 2)
- 5 April 2016: Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Suarez 2; Torres)
- 9 April 2014: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Barcelona (Total)
- 1 April 2014: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Neymar; Diego)
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid statistics
- Barcelona are unbeaten in all competitions for almost two months
- Barcelona have won five of their last six matches against Atletico Madrid
- Atletico Madrid have lost their last three matches in all competitions
- Barcelona scored eight goals in two legs against Newcastle in the previous round
- Atletico Madrid have not reached the semi-finals of the Champions League since 2016-17
Where to watch Barcelona v Atletico Madrid
The match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 2, and coverage is also available on the HBO Max (formerly Discovery+) streaming platform.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST at Camp Nou.
