(Football news) Barcelona on the weekend were pushed hard by 3rd division side CF Intercity. The Blaugrana needed extra time to win 4-3 and progress to the Copa Del Rey Round of 16. Now they face a tough challenge to play away against Atletico Madrid. Barca’s return after the World Cup wasn’t so great as they drew at home against City rivals Espanyol. Now they are level on points with Real Madrid and need a win to keep with them.
Barcelona will be without key duo Robert Lewandowski and Jordi Alba. The left back was sent off against Espanyol and hence is suspended for this game. Lewandowski on the other hand was sent off against Osasuna and further handed a 3 match ban. The ban was temporarily lifted which allowed him to play against Espanyol but now it has been inflicted. Barcelona players Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie and Sergio Busquets played 120 minutes midweek and may be too tired to start this game.
Atletico Madrid on the other hand defeated Real Oviedo in th Copa Del Rey Round of 32. Diego Simeone played a very strong team which could have it’s effect on the game against Barcelona. Sergio Reguilon and Mario Hermosa are big doubts while Stefan Savic could finally return to action. Despite all the public talk about Joao Felix’s uncertain future, he started the last league game against Elche. Now that he is moving closer to an exit it will be interesting to see whether Simeone starts him.
