FC Barcelona is set to face Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarter-final on Wednesday. The clash comes just days after their recent La Liga encounter, where Barcelona secured a thrilling 2-1 win at the Metropolitano.
Robert Lewandowski netted a late winner in the 87th minute against a 10-man Atletico side, extending Barcelona’s lead at the top of the league standings to seven points. The Catalan giants have also impressed in Europe, comfortably advancing to the quarter-finals with an 8-3 aggregate victory over Newcastle United.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid are going through a difficult phase, having lost their last three matches, which has seen them slip to fourth in La Liga. Diego Simeone’s men did manage to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, despite a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie, progressing with a 7-5 aggregate win.
FC Barcelona may have dominated recent encounters against Atlético Madrid, winning five of their last six meetings, but their European record against the Madrid side tells a different story. The Catalan giants have managed just one victory in their last four Champions League clashes against Atletico.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the contrast, highlighting the unique challenge of continental competition. “It’s different. Not entirely, but different. The Champions League is a different competition. That’s how I see it,” he said. “We’re playing against a tough opponent with fantastic players. We want to advance to the next round.”
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Head-To-Head Record
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have faced each other on 250 occasions across all competitions. Barcelona leads the head-to-head record with 115 wins, compared to 78 victories for Atletico Madrid. 57 games have ended in draws.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid UCL Quarter Finals: Team News
Barcelona
Barcelona will be without Andreas Christensen (knee), Raphinha (hamstring), Frenkie de Jong (hamstring), and Marc Bernal (ankle) for Wednesday’s clash. However, Ronald Araújo has been passed fit after being forced off in the previous meeting against Atletico.
Jules Koundé made his return from injury as a substitute in Saturday’s league game and is expected to start this time. Robert Lewandowski is also likely to return in attack, while Marcus Rashford could retain his place on the left after an impressive showing.
Atletico Madrid
For Atletico Madrid, Jan Oblak, Marc Pubill, and Rodrigo Mendoza have resumed training and may feature. However, Pablo Barrios remains unavailable due to a thigh injury, while José Giménez (knock) and Johnny Cardoso (muscle) are major doubts.
Julián Álvarez, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, is expected to return to the starting lineup after being benched last time, alongside David Hancko, Ademola Lookman, and Matteo Ruggeri.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid UCL Quarter Finals: Probable Starting XI
Barcelona Probable Starting XI
Joan García, Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, João Cancelo, Eric García, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid Probable Starting XI
Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri, Koke, Álex Baena, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, Julián Álvarez
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Story first published: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 14:28 [IST]
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