Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in a pivotal clash in La Liga’s title race after a week of contrasts in the UEFA Champions League.
Barca cruised past Benfica to set up a quarterfinal showdown with last season’s finalists Borussia Dortmund, while Atleti suffered yet more galling heartbreak at the hands of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
A 2-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday put Madrid three points clear of Barcelona at the top of the standings, although Hansi Flick’s side have played two games fewer heading into this daunting encounter at the Metropolitano.
Atletico are just a point behind them and Diego Simeone’s team will be determined to end a wretched week on a high.
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Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona lineups, confirmed starting 11, team news
Rodrigo De Paul will be assessed after suffering a knock late on against Madrid, while experienced midfielder Koke is set to remain on the sidelines.
Provided the rest show no ill-effects to their midweek efforts, expect Simeone to go with a very similar lineup, perhaps with Mahuel Molina coming in for Marcos Llorente at right-back to offer greater insurance against Barcelona’s threat out wide.
Atletico Madrid predicted starting lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Oblak (GK) — Molina, Gimenez, Lenglet, Reinildo — Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher — Griezmann, Alvarez.
Injured: Koke (muscle). De Paul (knock – doubt)
Suspended: Correa
Aside from long-term absentees Marc Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, Flick has more or less a full squad to choose from.
Dani Olmo and Inigo Martinez face competition for their places from Gavi and Ronald Araujo but should hold on.
Barcelona predicted starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — De Jong, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski
Injured: Ter Stegen (ACL), Bernal (ACL)
Suspended: None.
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
