UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona preview

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April 8th, 2014
Back UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona preview

Barcelona have received a big blow after being held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie last week, the day after the match FIFA handed them a two-window transfer ban for irregularities found in some youth-level transfers. Atletico on the other hand are still in command of the Primera Liga table after beating Villarreal 1-0 last weekend and are looking to make their first Champions Cup semi-final appearance since 1974.

Atletico might have to do without star striker Diego Costa, who came off with an injured hamstring during the first leg and also missed last weekend's league match. Diego came in for Costa and scored at Camp Nou last week but Neymar made it all square for Barcelona. It was the fourth draw out of four matches between the two sides this season. Atletico have won 16 of their last 17 home games in Europe but Barcelona haven't lost at Vicente Calderon in the last four years.

Barcelona's Xavi says the first leg result might be beneficial for his team as they will have to push for a win. "Atletico cut down the space," he said. "It's not easy to create chances, and we have to be fluent in the game and move the ball quickly. It's a really tough match. We'd have liked to have gone there with a better result, but it all depends on us. We have to win and that benefits us because we're a team built to attack, but we are facing an opponent who is just the opposite."

Here are the odds for Wednesday's match at Bet365:

Atletico Madrid win - 23/10 Draw - 5/2 Barcelona win - 13/10

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