Despite Barcelona’s optimism for a Champions League quarter-final comeback against Atletico Madrid, current season statistics suggest a challenging path ahead for the Catalan side. The two teams have faced each other five times this season, with Barcelona securing three victories and Atletico Madrid winning two. While Barcelona won both La Liga encounters, Atletico had rotated their squad in the second league match and emerged victorious in their Copa del Rey two-legged tie. Both teams have scored eight goals against each other across these five games.
Barcelona’s Defensive Vulnerabilities Favor Atletico’s Attack
The numbers strongly indicate an advantage for Atletico Madrid. Manager Diego Simeone has expressed his intention for his team to play on the front foot, and captain Koke Resurreccion has urged his players to exhibit confidence on the ball to exploit Barcelona’s defensive frailties. According to Diario AS, Barcelona has gone 14 consecutive European games without a clean sheet. Since Hansi Flick took over, no team in the Champions League has conceded more than Barcelona’s 43 goals. Furthermore, Barcelona has conceded in every Champions League match this season, implying they might need to score at least four goals to advance.
Barcelona’s Defensive Reconfiguration
Hansi Flick has frequently deployed Jules Koundé as a right-back since his arrival. However, reports suggest that in the final training session before the match, Koundé was tested at centre-back. This would likely see Ronald Araújo shift to right-back, with Eric Garcia potentially moving to midfield. Such a change would be surprising, especially with Pau Cubarsi suspended and uncertainty surrounding who will partner Pedri in midfield.
Flick Unconcerned by Defensive Issues
When questioned about Barcelona’s defensive struggles, particularly in light of Inter’s success against them last year despite Barcelona scoring six goals, Flick conveyed confidence. He stated that he is not worried about their defending and believes it will depend on the team’s collective pressing and compactness.
