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Champions League: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona preview

Kick-off: Wednesday, 13 April @19:45 GMT

Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderon (Madrid)

Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)

Head to head record

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid 2-1 (2015/2016 Champions League)
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid 2-1 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona 1-2 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona 0-1 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona 2-3 (2014/2015 Copa del Rey)

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona prediction

A place in the Champions League semis will be at stake when Atletico Madrid and Barcelona face each other in yet another all-Spanish encounter at Estadio Vicente Calderon. Barca aim to defend their slim lead in the Spanish capital, but Wednesday’s match will be anything but a walk in the park for the visitors.

Must-win situation

Atletico Madrid produced a thrilling performance in the first half of the Camp Nou clash, but the team started to struggle following Fernando Torres’ sending off. Los Rojiblancos failed to defend their one-goal lead in the second half of the match, but despite suffering a 2-1 loss to Barca in the first leg, Diego Simeone’s troops still have chances of advancing to the Champions League semi-finals. Atletico Madrid have been in a fine form of late and they will be looking to build on a 3-1 win over Espanyol (La Liga) when they host Barcelona at their Estadio Vicente Calderon on Wednesday night. In Fernando Torres’ absence, all eyes will be on Antoine Griezmann, who has been scoring goals for fun this season. Anyhow, the hosts should adopt a cautious approach in the return leg as they need to keep a clean sheet this time out.

Fernando Torres is banned, while Tiago Mendes remains in the recovery room. Defenders Jose Gimenez and Stefan Savic are both rated doubtful, but coach Diego Simeone has no other selection worries.

Dip in form

Barcelona did come from behind to beat ten-man Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg, but the Catalan giants have been struggling in the national championship of late, with the team failing to record a win in previous three league games. Luis Enrique’s men do not seem to be at the top of their game at the moment, but it has to be noted that the former Celta Vigo boss rested several first-team regulars in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad. Barca are still leading the chase for the domestic trophy, but they are eager to defend their Champions League title as well. The Catalan outfit will give 100% to defend their slim lead in the Estadio Vicente Calderon clash, but seeing that Luis Enrique is going to field the best possible side this time out, I would not be surprised if the visitors find the net in the return leg. Luis Suarez impressed in the Camp Nou showdown and all eyes will be on him when the two sides take on each other in Madrid on Wednesday evening.

Rafinha Alcantara is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the match day, while Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu are both likely to miss the Atletico Madrid game with injury. Aleix Vidal is doubtful as well.

Quick Facts

  • Atletico failed to beat Barcelona in previous eight meetings between the two teams
  • Barca scored exactly two goals in each of their last three meetings with Atletico
  • Luis Enrique’s men are on a ten-game unbeaten run in the CL
  • Rojiblancos are after their fourth consecutive clean sheet at home in the CL
  • In their last meeting in the Champions League Atletico emerged triumphant

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona betting tip

Given that Estadio Vicente Calderon will host Wednesday’s Champions League clash between Atletico and Barcelona, there is every chance we will see a close encounter in Madrid. Los Rojiblancos face a must-win situation in the return leg and given the attacking potential of the away team, both teams to score bet appears on the cards.

Tip: Both teams to score

Odds: 1.80 (4/5) @bet365

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Daily Specials

Event Promotion Claim Expiring
Bayern v Benfica Bayern to win is 5/1 Claim @19:45
Atletico v Barca Barcelona to win is 7/1 Claim @19:45
W'Ham v Man Utd West Ham at 8/1 or Man Utd at 9/1 Claim @19:45

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