ShareLaLiga leaders Barcelona have it all to do as they head to Atlético Madrid for the Champions League quarter-final second leg and a fixture which has already yielded 16 goals this season alone.By Karl MatchettAnother meeting of two of Spain’s big three, but this time with the stakes much higher and the context much more intriguing. Barcelona were favourites to make the Champions League final from this side of the draw prior to the first leg – but one red card and one exceptional free-kick later, that all changed. Atleti hold a 2-0 lead and home advantage and are 90 minutes from the semis.Erratic encountersThis being the sixth encounter of the two clubs in 2025/26 already, it might be reasonable to expect a form guide of sorts to suggest an outcome – but not so. Barcelona beat Atleti 3-1 in LaLiga at home and edged the match 2-1 at the Metropolitano as well – but Atlético trounced Barca 4-0 in the Copa Del Rey first leg as well as emerging victorious in the game last week. The Catalan side hold a 3-2 advantage for the season so far after winning the Copa second leg 3-0, but lost that tie overall – a repeat performance in terms of winning the 90 minutes but going out of the competition is far from off the agenda when it comes to this latest battle.H2H results this seasonNine and ten the crucial callsBig decisions for Hansi Flick rest on whether to start Ferran Torres or Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo or Fermín López, as the nine and ten respectively. It was a surprise to see no López in particular in the first leg XI, but in attack at least Barca do have strength in depth – whereas at the back and midfield it’s more likely a question of playing those who are fittest.Recent formAtlético have lost four and won one of their previous five in all competitions – but had won six in a row at home before losing to this opponent in early April. They haven’t lost at home by two this term.It’s five wins in the last six for Barcelona – the first-leg defeat the outlier there. Away from home they’ve won two of their last five; and they’ve won by at least two goals away on four occasions since Christmas.Team newsMarc Pubill is suspended and there’s a doubt over Dávid Hancko in defence for Atlético, with José Giménez likely out too.Barcelona have Pau Cubarsí suspended after his first-leg red card, with Raphinha still sidelined. Frenkie de Jong has just returned from a layoff so should be a bench option.Key playerLamine Yamal was praised for dragging his team on in the first leg. This time Barca need him to have the end product as well as the determination and the maturity in his game. He’ll well capable too – among Europe’s best attackers he’s ahead of 94% for chances created, 97% for goals, 99% for touches and 100% for shot attempts. Stop him if you can.PredictionAtlético to score an all-important goal at some stage and it’ll be too much damage for Barcelona to undo: Atlético 1-2 Barcelona (3-2 on aggregate).(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.LaLiga leaders Barcelona have it all to do as they head to Atlético Madrid for the Champions League quarter-final second leg and a fixture which has already yielded 16 goals this season alone.By Karl MatchettAnother meeting of two of Spain’s big three, but this time with the stakes much higher and the context much more intriguing. Barcelona were favourites to make the Champions League final from this side of the draw prior to the first leg – but one red card and one exceptional free-kick later, that all changed. Atleti hold a 2-0 lead and home advantage and are 90 minutes from the semis.Erratic encountersThis being the sixth encounter of the two clubs in 2025/26 already, it might be reasonable to expect a form guide of sorts to suggest an outcome – but not so. Barcelona beat Atleti 3-1 in LaLiga at home and edged the match 2-1 at the Metropolitano as well – but Atlético trounced Barca 4-0 in the Copa Del Rey first leg as well as emerging victorious in the game last week. The Catalan side hold a 3-2 advantage for the season so far after winning the Copa second leg 3-0, but lost that tie overall – a repeat performance in terms of winning the 90 minutes but going out of the competition is far from off the agenda when it comes to this latest battle.H2H results this seasonNine and ten the crucial callsBig decisions for Hansi Flick rest on whether to start Ferran Torres or Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo or Fermín López, as the nine and ten respectively. It was a surprise to see no López in particular in the first leg XI, but in attack at least Barca do have strength in depth – whereas at the back and midfield it’s more likely a question of playing those who are fittest.Recent formAtlético have lost four and won one of their previous five in all competitions – but had won six in a row at home before losing to this opponent in early April. They haven’t lost at home by two this term.It’s five wins in the last six for Barcelona – the first-leg defeat the outlier there. Away from home they’ve won two of their last five; and they’ve won by at least two goals away on four occasions since Christmas.Team newsMarc Pubill is suspended and there’s a doubt over Dávid Hancko in defence for Atlético, with José Giménez likely out too.Barcelona have Pau Cubarsí suspended after his first-leg red card, with Raphinha still sidelined. Frenkie de Jong has just returned from a layoff so should be a bench option.Key playerLamine Yamal was praised for dragging his team on in the first leg. This time Barca need him to have the end product as well as the determination and the maturity in his game. He’ll well capable too – among Europe’s best attackers he’s ahead of 94% for chances created, 97% for goals, 99% for touches and 100% for shot attempts. Stop him if you can.PredictionAtlético to score an all-important goal at some stage and it’ll be too much damage for Barcelona to undo: Atlético 1-2 Barcelona (3-2 on aggregate).(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.