Atlético de Madrid vs Barcelona Champions League preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, form, coaches' thoughts

Atlético de Madrid host Barcelona in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday 14 April.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.

What you need to know

Julián Alvarez's magnificent free-kick – moments after Pau Cubarsí's first-half dismissal – proved decisive as Atleti claimed a 2-0 first-leg win at the Camp Nou. Barcelona had looked the more dangerous team before the red card, with Marcus Rashford posing the biggest threat, but Diego Simeone's side were clinical when it mattered – Alexander Sørloth adding the second, despite Atleti registering just nine touches in the box and five attempts on goal.

The second leg presents a different dynamic, however. Hansi Flick is confident Barcelona can respond, though history favours the Rojiblancos, who have won both previous Champions League quarter-final ties between the clubs (2-1agg in 2013/14; 3-2agg in 2015/16).

Despite their disciplined defensive display at the Camp Nou, Atleti have not been goal shy at the Estadio Metropolitano in Europe, hitting five against Frankfurt and Tottenham and four against Club Brugge, with Alvarez's prolific Champions League form – 15 goals in his last 18 appearances, including five in this season's knockout phase – reinforcing that threat. Whether Barcelona face a Simeone side that defends deep or attacks on the front foot could define the tie.

Possible line-ups

Atleti: Musso; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Llorente, Koke; Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman; Alvarez

Barcelona: Joan García; Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo; Eric García, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín López, Rashford; Lewandowski

Form guide

Atleti

Form: LWLLLW
Latest: Sevilla 2-1 Atleti, 11/04, Spanish Liga

Barcelona

Form: WLWWWW
Latest: Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol, 11/04, Spanish Liga

Views from the camps

Diego Simeone, Atleti coach: "We know the opponent we are going to face and we are aware of how strong they are, but we are also aware of what our objective is – to advance."

Koke, Atleti midfielder: "My team-mates are incredibly motivated. It's normal that they [Barcelona] believe they can come back; it'd be strange if they didn't. We're excited to play a great match against a great rival in our stadium."

Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach: "It's possible [to come back], why not? We're playing against a very strong Atleti side, so we will need a very strong performance. We need to take all the chances we get because that was the difference between us and them in the last match."

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona forward: "We promise that, if we are eliminated, we will have fought until the end. We will give everything for this badge. It will be a game of 90 minutes or more. It's not over. It's very possible to come back, and that's why we're here."

Reporter's view

Juan Díaz, match reporter
A thrilling match is expected at the Estadio Metropolitano to decide a spot among the top four in this year's Champions League. The 2-0 lead from the first leg and Atleti's strong home form in Europe this season bodes well for Simeone's side, who are looking to return to the semi-finals for the first time in nine years. However, the most recent precedent in a tie between the two sides – in which Barcelona almost came back from a 4-0 first-leg deficit in the Copa del Rey semi-finals – means this match will be an extremely tactical battle between two of the world's best clubs. The home side will be without Marc Pubill in defence while Hansi Flick will have to make do without Pau Cubarsí. However, the two standout players of this tie – Julián Alvarez and Lamine Yamal – will be in action.