Atlético Madrid Prepare for Clash with Barcelona: Team News and Expected Lineup
Atlético Madrid travels to Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday night to face FC Barcelona in a match-up between two of La liga’s top three teams, with a 9pm CET (3pm ET) kick-off. The Colchoneros are currently enjoying a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, including a recent 2-1 victory over Inter Milan decided by a late goal from José María Giménez. Last season, Atlético secured a dramatic 2-1 win against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Atlético demonstrated thier form with a agreeable 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Real Oviedo on Saturday, with both goals scored by Norwegian forward Alexander Sørloth. Coach Diego Simeone rotated the starting lineup for that match, making seven changes. Notably, Atlético has spent the fewest minutes trailing in La Liga this season – just 17.
Atlético Madrid Injury & Availability Updates:
Currently, right-back Marcos Llorente is the only confirmed absentee for Atlético, continuing his recovery from a hamstring strain sustained against Getafe following the international break. He is expected to be sidelined for a further couple of weeks.
defender Robin Le Normand is recovering from a knee injury and is aiming to be included in the squad, but a return to the starting lineup is unlikely given his month-long absence.
Winger Nico González overcame a recent illness – involving vomiting and diarrhea – that required hospital treatment on Tuesday. He featured against both Inter Milan and Real Oviedo, playing 87 minutes on Saturday.
Diego Simeone clarified that the half-time substitution of Álex Baena against Real oviedo was a tactical decision and not due to injury, meaning he is fully available for selection.
No Atlético players are currently facing suspensions; captain Koke and Marcos Llorente lead the team with three yellow cards each, meaning Koke would not be at risk of a ban until the home fixture against Valencia.
Expected Atlético Madrid Lineup vs. FC Barcelona:
Jan Oblak; nahuel Molina, José María Giménez, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Conor Gallagher; Alex Baena; Julian Alvarez.
Several positions remain subject to simeone’s tactical decisions. Competition exists on the left flank, with Conor Gallagher’s defensive work rate favored against strong opposition, while Nico González offers versatility as a wing-back and Thiago Almada provides another option.
David Hancko’s recent performances in both central defense and at left-back create uncertainty. Simeone’s choice regarding Hancko’s position could see Matteo Ruggeri start at left-back (as against Inter Milan) or Clement Lenglet feature in central defense against his former club.
In central midfield, Johnny Cardoso’s impressive start against Inter Milan could challenge Koke for a holding midfield role.
Potential substitutes include Marc Pubill, who made his first start for the club at the weekend, and Alexander Sørloth, following his two-goal performance against Real Oviedo, offering an offensive option alongside Antoine Griezmann.
