Barcelona have seen their sizeable lead in La Liga evaporate following two consecutive losses and suddenly the Catalans do not look like a shoo-in to defend their crown in Spain.
In addition, the European champions also find themselves in a tricky situation in the Champions League. While Blaugrana managed a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Quarter Finals, they did not put in the most convincing of performances and were very lucky to end the clash with the win.
Now having suffered a defeat over the weekend, Barcelona do not head into the second leg in the best of shapes and they will most certainly have to deliver a much improved performance at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday in order to seal a place in the semi finals of the competition.
Here is the Strongest Possible Barcelona Lineup against Atletico Madrid –
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been very impressive whenever he has been given a chance to start in the Champions League and the young goalkeeper will once again have to be at his best on Wednesday night as he will be up against a dangerous Atletico Madrid attacking lineup.
Defence
Barcelona have looked less than convincing at the back over the past few matches but manager Luis Enrique is unlikely to be making too many changes to his defence for Wednesday night’s clash.
Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano will be starting at the heart of the backline while the right back position is set to be occupied by Dani Alves. Jordi Alba was handed a rest in the defeat against Real Sociedad and he is all but certain to be returning to the lineup in midweek.
Midfield
Rafinha did not have the happiest of returns from injury last weekend and captain Andres Iniesta should replace the young midfielder for Wednesday while Ivan Rakitic is also likely to be starting ahead of the ineffectual Arda Turan.
Sergio Busquets will be completing the midfield trio for Barcelona and they will have a big role to play if the Spaniards are to make it into the next round of the competition.
Attack
Lionel Messi has looked off colour in recent matches but he will be boosted by the return of Luis Suarez, who is available after missing the weekend clash against Sociedad due to suspension.
Neymar will lineup to form the holy trinity and the three superstars need to perform at their best during the clash in order to breach the impeccably miserly Atletico defence.
(4-3-3)
Via – Lineup Builder
