Before the upcoming Champions League match on April 14, 2026, expectations were high for both Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona. Atlético Madrid had a solid lead after winning the first leg 2-0, putting them in a favorable position to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since the 2016/17 season. Meanwhile, Barcelona aimed to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the semi-finals for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
However, both teams have faced significant changes in their lineups ahead of this crucial encounter. Atlético Madrid will be without key defender Jose Maria Gimenez, who is sidelined, and Marc Pubill, who is banned from playing. In a notable adjustment, Clement Lenglet has stepped in to replace the injured Davic Hancko.
On the other side, FC Barcelona has made three changes from their previous match, introducing Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Ferran Torres to their starting eleven. This comes as they deal with the absence of Pau Cubarsi, who is suspended after being sent off in the first leg, alongside injuries to Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Raphinha.
As the match approaches, Atlético Madrid has also seen the return of Jan Oblak and Johnny Cardoso to their bench, which could provide a boost to their squad depth. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST, with live coverage available on TNT Sports 1 and streaming on the HBO Max app.
Historically, Barcelona has had success at the Metropolitano Stadium, winning five of their last six visits. This adds an extra layer of pressure on Atlético Madrid as they seek to maintain their advantage and secure a spot in the next round.
In summary, the changes in both lineups reflect the high stakes of this Champions League clash. With Atlético Madrid holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg, they will aim to capitalize on their home advantage, while Barcelona will look to overcome their challenges and mount a comeback.
