MX23RW : Sunday, June 30 21:36:09| >> :60:1756:1756:
[monks data]
Atletico Madrid logo
Champions League | Quarter-Finals
Apr 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

1-0

Koke (6')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona

Sports Mole looks ahead to the all-Spanish Champions League quarter-final between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

There has been very little to separate these two clubs in La Liga all season, but something will have to give at the Vicente Calderon tomorrow evening.

As it stands, it is advantage Atletico Madrid following the first leg in Barcelona last week, as the visitors left the Camp Nou with an away goal, scored by Brazilian playmaker Diego, in the 1-1 draw. That was the fourth time that these sides have met in all competitions this term, none of which has ended with a victor.

However, Diego Simeone's Atleti can take heart from the fact that they have won 16 of their previous 17 home UEFA encounters.

If they are to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time since 1974, though, they are likely to have to do so without the services of leading goalscorer Diego Costa. The Spaniard limped off during the first leg with a hamstring complaint and is not expected to feature.

In a further blow to Simeone, playmaker Arda Turan is struggling with a groin problem, which could well rule the Turk out of contention for a place in the starting lineup.

Visiting Barca also injury problems to contend with, particularly in defence with Gerard Pique absent due to a hip complaint and Carles Puyol short of match fitness. Elsewhere, Pinto will continue to deputise in goal for the injured Victor Valdes, who has damaged his cruciate ligament.

Los Rojiblancos have hosted Barcelona 106 times before in all competitions, with a record of 50 victories to Barcelona's 33.

Recent form

Atletico: WWWWDW

Barcelona: WWWWDW

Possible starting lineups

Atletico: Courtois; Juanfran, Godín, Miranda, Luis; Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Suarez, Diego; Villa

Barcelona: Pinto; Alba, Bartra, Mascherano, Alves; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Fabregas, Neymar, Messi

Sports Mole says: 1-1 - Atletico through on penalties


ID:148784: cacheID:148784:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4158:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Neymar of Barcelona celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match against Atletico de Madrid on April 1, 2014
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Monday, July 1
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, July 2
 
5pm
 
8pm
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Saturday, July 6
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!