Barcelona v Atletico Madrid second leg: two ruled out as Diego Simeone faces defensive issue | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid take a two-goal advantage into Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Metropolitano, but both teams will be without key defenders and Diego Simeone has fresh concerns.

According to Football Espana, Barcelona must attempt a monumental comeback away from home, and Atletico have never lost a home knockout tie. The first leg brought Simeone his first win in 19 visits to Camp Nou, and Los Rojiblancos are targeting a third straight quarter-final elimination of Barcelona in direct meetings.

Barcelona will be without Pau Cubarsi after his red card. The four players who risked suspension, Marc Casado, Fermin Lopez, Gerard Martin and Lamine Yamal, avoided bookings and remain available. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong look like they will be fit, while Raphinha and Andreas Christensen are out, and there is hope Marc Bernal could return.

Simeone faces a defensive headache. Of the eight Atletico players on a booking tightrope, Marc Pubill was the only one cautioned and is out of the second leg. He had replaced David Hancko in the first half before the latter left injured on crutches, creating serious doubts over his availability after an ankle problem.

As things stand, Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet are the only fit central defenders, although there is hope Jose Maria Gimenez could also return. The Uruguayan missed the first leg with a muscle issue, but could be back next week. Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso are likewise fighting to return from injury.

Source: Football Espana