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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


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Neymar of Barcelona celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match against Atletico de Madrid on April 1, 2014
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Match Analysis: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid
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