The international break is over, and Barcelona players are returning to camp. Some players have already started training, which means the team is getting ready for the match against Atletico Madrid.
Looking at the first match against Atletico Madrid before the Champions League encounter, Softfootball expects Atletico to make a lot of rotations. They may rest key players in this La Liga game, as their main target could be the Champions League.
To have an edge in the Champions League first leg, Atletico may not play with full intensity in this league match.
Barcelona, on the other hand, need to play with full intensity. If Barca fail to win this match, they risk losing their 4-point La Liga gap ahead of Real Madrid, which could affect them psychologically going into the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
The first leg will be at Camp Nou, and Barcelona have been very strong at home this season, so they will be expected to win that match.
However, without Raphinha, who got injured during the international break, things could be difficult.
Marcus Rashford is expected to step up, but knowing how Hansi Flick operates, he may not start Rashford. Instead, he could go with a front three of Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona will need to press effectively and pin Atletico Madrid back, applying constant pressure, similar to their 3–0 performance in the Copa del Rey semi-final where they nearly completed a remontada.
It will be an interesting encounter, as fans are eagerly waiting for these matches, which could play a big role in determining Barcelona’s success this season.
