Barcelona will start Robert Lewandowski as its No. 9 against Atlético de Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Hansi Flick putting the striker back in the lineup after he scored the 1-2 goal in last Saturday’s Liga match. The attack will be completed by Lamine and Marcus Rashford, while Joan García is set to begin in goal.
Jules Koundé will return at right back, with Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín in central defense and Joao Cancelo on the left. Eric García will operate as the defensive pivot, with Pedri and Dani Olmo alongside him in midfield. Barcelona are without Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong because of injury, and Fermín will start on the bench after arriving later to the training camp following an incident in the morning activation session.
That selection points to the game Flick wants to play: Barcelona need players who can press high and make Atlético’s build-up uncomfortable. The missing midfielders narrow his options, but the coach has still leaned toward control, pace and pressure for a match that can shape the tie before it leaves Camp Nou.
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The first leg now turns on whether Barcelona can turn that plan into territory and chances against an Atlético side that rarely gives either away for free.
