FC Barcelona head into their Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid with a few key absences that could shape how Hansi Flick approaches this first leg at the Nou Camp.
The biggest setback is the injury to Raphinha, who picked up a hamstring issue while on international duty with Brazil national team and is expected to be sidelined for around four weeks. His pace and width will be difficult to replace in a game where stretching Atletico’s defensive lines is crucial. Frenkie de Jong also misses out, as he continues his recovery from a similar problem, while Andreas Christensen remains a long-term absentee with an ACL injury. There is a boost, however, with Marc Bernal returning to fitness.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone is dealing with issues of his own, particularly the continued absence of Jan Oblak. The goalkeeper has missed several recent matches, including the previous Champions League round. Midfielders Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo Mendoza are also unavailable.
Barcelona beat Atlético 2-1 at the Metropolitano.
They meet again in the Champions League at the Camp Nou on Wednesday 💥 pic.twitter.com/rBDKfqFGNH
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 4, 2026
Predicted lineups and tactical outlook
FC Barcelona are expected to retain their 4-3-3 structure, with Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford supporting Robert Lewandowski in attack. The midfield pairing of Pedri and Gavi will be key in controlling possession and unlocking Atletico’s compact shape.
Atletico will likely stick with their tried-and-tested 4-4-2, relying on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann provide a dynamic forward partnership capable of punishing any defensive lapses.
Predicted Barcelona XI
Garcia; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Pedri, Garcia, Gavi; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford
Injured: De Jong, Raphinha, Christensen
Predicted Atletico Madrid XI
Musso; Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann
Injured: Oblak, Barrios, Mendoza
The stylistic contrast should define the contest. FC Barcelona will dominate the ball and look for openings, while Atletico sit deep, stay compact and strike on transitions. With attacking absentees on both sides, this first leg could be tighter than expected, with small details proving decisive.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Nou Camp, with coverage on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
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