Barcelona name squad for Atletico showdown as Flick eyes Champions League comeback

FC Barcelona have confirmed their squad for Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium, as they attempt to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

Manager Hansi Flick faces a stern test against Diego Simeone’s side after Barcelona fell short in the opening leg of the last-eight tie, leaving the Catalan giants with a mountain to climb in Madrid if they are to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Barcelona will be without defender Pau Cubarsi, who was sent off in the first leg and is suspended for the return fixture.

The squad is also missing Brazilian winger Raphinha due to a hamstring injury, while Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen remains sidelined with a knee problem.

Teenage midfielder Marc Bernal has been included in the travelling party, although his availability remains uncertain as he continues to manage a recent ankle issue. A final decision on his involvement is expected closer to kick-off.

In a boost for Flick, Frenkie de Jong has been named in the squad after returning from a hamstring injury as a late substitute in Saturday’s league win over Espanyol. Defender Gerard Martin has also recovered from a recent injury scare to make the trip.

Barcelona’s squad list also features several academy prospects, including Tommy Marques, Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes, as Flick looks to balance experience with youthful energy for the high-stakes encounter.

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Speaking after Barcelona’s weekend clash with Espanyol, Flick struck a confident tone despite the aggregate deficit.

“Atletico is a fantastic team, but we’re great too. We’re going to fight for it. We want the semi-finals, and we know we need a huge performance from the team,” he told reporters.

Flick is scheduled to appear alongside teenage sensation Lamine Yamal at Monday’s pre-match press conference, with the squad travelling early to Madrid for a final training session at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Barcelona Squad vs Atletico Madrid

Goalkeepers: J Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Kochen

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Martin, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Cortes, Espart

Midfielders: Gavi, Pedri, F Lopez, Casado, Dani Olmo, De Jong, Bernal, Tommy

Forwards: Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Yamal, Marcus Rashford, Roony

With elimination looming, Barcelona will need a disciplined and clinical display in Madrid to overturn the deficit against a typically resolute Atletico side known for its defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat.

A place in the Champions League semi-finals hangs in the balance as two of Spain’s heavyweights prepare for another high-intensity European showdown.