The first of three games in a week and a half between the Atlético de Madrid and the FC Barcelona concentrates the pressure this Saturday on the Barça team, which visits the Metropolitan in the middle of the fight for La Liga, against a rival in transition and with greater focus on the Champions League.
The duel corresponds to the domestic championship, where Barcelona leads with four points ahead of the real Madrid. However, the match will be repeated in Europe: first at the Camp Nou and then at the Metropolitano for the quarterfinals. In the King’s Cupboth already faced each other with red and white classification after the resounding 4-0 in the first leg.
The team led by Hansi Flick He temporarily leaves Europe aside to focus on a League in which he cannot fail. With the Clásico still pending, any setback could compromise their advantage in the decisive stretch.
The main setback is the decrease in Raphinhawho will be out for five weeks due to a muscle injury suffered with Brazil. His absence impacts the offensive system and the team’s high pressure.
Given this, the option arises of Marcus Rashfordwho seeks to consolidate himself in the eleven and earn a place in the future. They are also still out Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jongthe latter still without receiving medical discharge.
In the midfield, everything indicates that Pedri will be accompanied by young alternatives, while doubt persists between Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez in the midfield.
The good news for the Blaugranas is the recovery of Jules Koundé and Alejandro Baldewho could return to the call. They will also be Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowskikey pieces in attack.
On the other hand, Atlético de Diego Simeone Its place in the upper zone is practically guaranteed, but its priority is in Europe. The team arrives fourth, far from the lead, after losing in the derby against Real Madrid.
The casualties complicate their assembly: they will not be Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso neither Marcos Llorenteforcing the midfield to be reconfigured with koke as axis.
ATLETICO DE MADRID. ALWAYS. pic.twitter.com/V5dHiOomTu
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) April 3, 2026
They also do not arrive in full Jan Oblak, Marc Pubill and Rodrigo Mendozawhile Alexander Sorloth It will be available after passing a hit.
Atlético will have several internationals who returned with little time to prepare, which conditions the approach. Among the names stand out Antoine Griezmann, Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet.
Despite everything, the Metropolitano remains a strength: Atlético has won 13 of its 15 League games at home and maintains a solid streak in all competitions.
The context marks a clash of priorities: Barcelona, forced to win to maintain the lead; Atlético, focused on Europe but competitive at home. A duel that not only defines points in La Liga, but also anticipates a decisive series in the season.
Probable lineups:
Atlético de Madrid
- Musso
- Molina
- Le Normand
- Lenglet
- Ruggeri
- Giuliano or Vargas
- koke
- Baena
- Nico Gonzalez
- Griezmann
- Sorloth
Barcelona
- Joan Garcia
- Eric Garcia
- Pau Cubarsi
- Gerard Martin
- Joao Cancelo
- Pedri
- Marc Bernal
- Lamine Yamal
- Fermin Lopez
- Marcus Rashford
- Lewandowski
Referee: Mateo Busquets (Balearic Islands)
Stadium: Metropolitan
Guatemala time: 13
Where to see it: Sky, ESPN platforms