Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona Champions League Preview and Prediction
The second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona takes place at the Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.
The two clubs have faced off twice in the past 10 days. Barca won in the same stadium, 2-1 in a La Liga match on April 4, before Atletico returned the favour four days later in Camp Nou, blanking Los Blaugranes 2-0.
Julian Alvarez scored on a free kick just moments after Pau Cubarsi was shown a red card. Alexander Sorloth added some insurance in the 70th minute to give Atletico its first win at Camp Nou in 26 games, dating back to 2006, as well as the quarterfinal advantage heading back to the Metropolitano.
The problem for coach Diego Simeone’s side is their home is actually Barca’s fortress lately, as Hansi Flick’s team has won five of their last six at Atletico’s ground.
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona Odds and Betting Trends
Despite the two-goal deficit, Barca are the listed favourites in this match at -125 on the Champions League odds. Atletico Madrid sits at +275, with a draw at +320.
The over/under is set at 3.5 goals, with -110 going to either the over or the under as Barcelona will most certainly be in attack mode from the opening kickoff.
Barca’s Lamine Yamal, who had a goal and two assists in the club’s 4-1 derby victory over Espanyol over the weekend, is currently sitting at -188 to score or assist in Tuesday’s clash, with Ferran Torres at -150, while Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski both sit at -138 to do the same.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico will put everything into this match as its La Liga season continues to slide after a 2-1 defeat at Sevilla on Saturday.
Simeone made 10 changes to his side after the win at Camp Nou during the week. Javier Bonar had a 35th-minute tally, but Atletico saw its top-three hopes dim further with a third successive league defeat.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak and defender Johnny Cardoso have both returned to training, but David Hancko, Jose Gimenez, and Pablo Barrios are all doubtful, while Marc Pubill is suspended. Sorloth continues to work through a minor head injury as well.
Barcelona
Torres had a brace while Yamal and Rashford also tallied in the weekend win over Espanyol, which put Barca nine points clear of rivals Real Madrid to retain its La Liga title.
Domestic success has not translated to the continent lately, as Barcelona has not reached the Champions League semifinals since 2019. The club have scored 84 goals in La Liga, but were found wanting at home last week.
Raphinha (hamstring) continues to be sidelined, Pedri is dealing with muscle concerns, and Ronald Araujo (hamstring) is also in doubt.
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong was named to the bench for the Espanyol match, and his return would be greatly appreciated.
La Liga Prediction: Who Will Win Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona?
Atletico Madrid are likely to progress, although Barcelona could win this match 3-2. The two-goal lead, raucous home crowd and Simeone’s experience in tight knockout ties gives them the slight edge here. Sorloth’s 70th-minute tally in the first leg could ultimately prove to be the difference here. Look for Barca to win on the night but Atletico to ultimately advance.