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Barcelona v Atletico Madrid: Line-ups, stats and preview

Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Read our in-depth preview here

Written by Mitch Fretton
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Barcelona v Atletico Madrid: Line-ups, stats and preview

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

Barcelona come into this fixture in strong form, having beaten Atletico Madrid 2-1 in La Liga just days ago thanks to a late goal from Robert Lewandowski. That result moved them seven points clear at the top of the table and extended their impressive unbeaten run across all competitions.

However, Barcelona’s Champions League record against Atletico is less convincing. They have lost both previous quarter-final meetings between the sides, including exits in 2013-14 and 2015-16.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, arrive under pressure after three consecutive defeats in all competitions. However, Diego Simeone’s side remain dangerous in knockout football and progressed past Tottenham in the last knockout round.

Team news for Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

Barcelona players celebrate scoring against Newcastle

Barcelona are without Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha due to injury, while Ronald Araujo is expected to be fit despite a recent scare.

Jules Kounde could return to the starting lineup, and Lewandowski is set to lead the attack. Marcus Rashford is pushing to retain his place on the left flank after recent performances.

Atletico Madrid have been boosted by the return of Jan Oblak to training, although Pablo Barrios remains sidelined. Jose Gimenez and Johnny Cardoso are doubts.

Julian Alvarez is expected to return to the starting XI, likely joining Antoine Griezmann in attack.

Expected line-ups for Barcelona v 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

The stats for Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

  • 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 across two legs against Newcastle in the previous round
  • Atletico Madrid have not reached the Champions League semi-finals 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, with coverage also available via the HBO Max (formerly Discovery+) streaming platform.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST at Camp Nou.

Prediction for Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

Barcelona

3 – 2

Atletico Madrid

These two often produce fireworks when they clash, as evidence in the Copa Del Rey semi-final this season. Expect a high scoring and chaotic clash, with Barcelona coming out on top in the first leg.

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