Former Ballon d’Or winner backs Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid in UCL quarterfinals | OneFootball

Former Ballon d’Or winner backs Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid in UCL quarterfinals | OneFootball

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·26 March 2026

Former Ballon d’Or winner backs Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid in UCL quarterfinals

Article image:Former Ballon d’Or winner backs Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid in UCL quarterfinals

Once the international break comes to an end next week, FC Barcelona will resume their campaign with a tough La Liga assignment against Atletico Madrid.

Days later, the two teams will collide again, this time in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, before locking horns a week later in the second leg.


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It will be a tough match, with Atletico having already eliminated Barcelona from the Copa del Rey, with a 4-3 aggregate win in the semifinals.

Andriy Shevchenko backs Barcelona

However, former Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko believes Barcelona have the edge over Atletico Madrid ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Shevchenko took advantage of his participation in the Legends Trophy tournament in Milan to comment on what is gearing up to be one of the most anticipated fixtures in the UEFA Champions League.

The 2004 Ballon d’Or winner expects a very balanced and entertaining match for spectators.

Article image:Former Ballon d’Or winner backs Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid in UCL quarterfinals

Flick and Simeone will face off thrice in ten days in April. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

 “I expect a good game; I think both teams have a good chance,” the AC Milan legend commented.

Even so, he showed himself to be slightly leaning towards the Blaugrana managed by Hansi Flick, as he said:

“I think Barça has a little more… they are in better form.”

As for the most decisive player at the moment, the Ukrainian was unable to choose just one and mentioned both young talents and experienced stars, with a certain Lamine Yamal also featuring.

“Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe,” Shevchenko stated.

The three matches that Barcelona face against Atletico Madrid in the space of ten days, right after the international break, could define how the season ends for Barcelona.

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