Tonight, the Spotify Camp Nou hosts a high-stakes, all-Spanish clash as Barcelona faces Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Recent Form
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had met on Saturday in the La Liga at the Metropolitano. The Catalans won 2-1 with goals from Marcus Rashford and the age-defying Lewandowski.
The match tonight will be the 5th meeting between the two Spanish Giants, with Hansi Flick’s Barcelona leading 3-1 against Diego Simeone’s side. And though Atletico Madrid trailed Barcelona, their victory against the Catalans in the Copa Del Rey semi-finals has caused huge pain to Hansi Flick’s side.
Team News
Both teams may field almost the same side that featured in the La Liga on the weekend. Hansi Flick would be banking on Lamine Yamal to cast his creative web on the field with Dani Olmo, Rashford and Lewandowski pushing for goals. With Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Cancelo and others also in the line-up, Barcelona will be extremely tough opponents on the field.
Atletico Madrid, with focus on a tight defence and quick counter-attacks, will be looking up to the wily and experienced Griezmann to get them going against Barcelona. If Julian Alvarez takes the field, Atletico will greatly benefit, though Sørloth’s form may be a bit of a concern. The back line, however, will eventually decide Atletico’s fate in this match. Can they keep Barcelona’s fiery attack at bay?
Expected Outcome
On current form, it is Barcelona’s match to lose, and in my opinion, and with due respect to Atletico, the Catalans may go through tonight.
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