Rabat – Barcelona visit Riyadh Air Metropolitano tonight for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid
Atletico hold the advantage after winning 2-0 in Barcelona last week. Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth came after Pau Cubarsi was sent off, shifting the balance of the game.
Atletico are 90 minutes away from their first Champions League semi‑final in nine years. Barcelona must score at least two goals to force extra time.
Inside the Barcelona camp, coach Hansi Flick urges players to stay calm, play with control, and believe in the comeback. Lamine Yamal has said the task is difficult but not impossible.
Match details:
- Fixture: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (Quarter-final, second leg)
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
- Kick-off: 8 p.m, Tuesday, April 14
- How to watch: beIN Sports 1 in MENA, with major Champions League broadcasters carrying the match in other markets.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico enter the second leg with the advantage. They lead 2‑0, play at home, and have a lead. Diego Simeone’s teams rarely lose.
Captain Koke spoke about past Champions League runs and the chance to reach a first semi‑final since 2017. Their strong home record adds weight to their position.
The first leg showed Simeone’s usual approach: compact shape, patience, and sharp finishing when chances came.
Antoine Griezmann remains the link in midfield, giving rhythm and control, while Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth offer different threats in attack. With a two‑goal lead, Atletico do not need to chase the game, and that may be their biggest strength.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona arrive under pressure but still hopeful. They beat Espanyol 4-1 at the weekend, moving nine points clear in La Liga after Real Madrid drew with Girona. Lamine Yamal was decisive again, scoring once and assisting twice, and he looks like the player most likely to change this tie.
Barcelona started well in the first leg but lost control after Pau Cubarsi’s red card. Flick was frustrated with refereeing decisions and the club even filed a complaint to UEFA over a handball incident.
Yamal has said this is not about miracles. Barcelona need early control, sharper finishing, and patience to stop Atletico turning the match into counters and fouls.
What to expect
Barcelona should dominate possession and take risks. Atletico will sit deep, defend their box, and wait for the one goal that could end the tie.
If Barcelona score early, the contest opens up; if Atletico strike first, the tie is likely finished.
Safe bets
Both teams to score – Yes: Barcelona must attack, and Atletico are dangerous when spaces open
Over 2.5 Goals – Yes: The scoreline should make the game more open and attacking.
Lamine Yamal to Score or Assist – Yes
