Official: Barcelona name starting XI for Atletico Madrid clash | UCL | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to kick off their game against Atletico Madrid shortly. This is a massive encounter for both sides in the UEFA Champions League, and the first leg will determine how much of a solid foundation either team can establish ahead of the second leg.

Given the stakes and the importance of the occasion, Hansi Flick was expected to field a strong starting eleven, and he has done just that with the official lineup for Barcelona now revealed.

In goal, as expected, Joan Garcia starts for the Catalan giants. He has delivered some big performances this season already, but he was brought in to this team for the UEFA Champions League in particular, so this is his moment to shine.

Ahead of him, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin start in defense together as the centre-back partnership. Both players have proven this season that they can take on any kind of pressure, and they need to prove that once again.

On the flanks, Joao Cancelo and Jules Kounde start as the two full-backs. They will need to provide a lot of defensive cover in this match, but they will also need to provide offensive creativity whenever possible.

In the midfield, Pedri is accompanied by Eric Garcia as the two players form a two-man pivot in the heart of the team. They will be crucial in transitions, both offensive ones and defensive ones, and they will simultaneously need to be creative as well.

As for the attack, Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford occupy the wide positions and will look to hurt Atletico Madrid. In between them, Dani Olmo has been chosen to start as the central attacking midfielder.

Lastly, up top, Robert Lewandowski has been entrusted to lead the line for La Blaugrana. The veteran striker will need to be clinical in this game, considering the fact that each and every single goal could prove to be game-changing.