Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will wrap up their final UEFA Champions League group matches soon. While Barcelona faces Royal Antwerp with little at stake, Atletico is in a battle for group leadership against Lazio.
Barcelona appears set to clinch the top spot in Group H, barring an improbable scenario. Xavi Hernandez has added eight B-team players to his squad, initially excluding key players like Araujo, Gundogan, De Jong, and Lewandowski (except De Jong, who's unwell but later included).
The team still grapples with injuries to Martinez and ter Stegen, relying on Pena in goal and Balde expected to return. Xavi faces mounting pressure following a recent defeat but aims to steer clear of further setbacks despite already securing a last-16 berth.
Atletico, leading Group E by a point, eyes a draw to secure top position and secure a home game in the last-16 second leg. Simeone's squad faces Lazio, aiming for focus after a slip against Almeria. Balancing player freshness for a tough league game post-Champions League remains a challenge.
Key Points:
1. Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona face crucial UEFA Champions League matches, with Barcelona having little at stake against Royal Antwerp while Atletico vies for leadership against Lazio.
2. Barcelona's probable finish at the top of Group H depends on improbable circumstances involving a Shakhtar Donetsk win and a significant goal difference in their favor.
3. Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona's coach, included eight B-team players initially, later adding key players like Araujo, Gundogan, and Lewandowski to the squad, excluding only De Jong due to illness.
4. Despite injuries to Martinez and ter Stegen, Barcelona sees Pena in goal and Balde returning, aiming to recover after a recent home defeat and secure a win against a struggling opponent.
5. Pressure mounts on Xavi post-Barcelona's recent defeat, despite already securing a place in the last-16, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further losses.
6. Atletico Madrid leads Group E by one point, a draw in their upcoming match ensures their progression as group winners and a home advantage in the last-16 second leg.
7. The team's impressive home record at the Metropolitano Stadium faces scrutiny after allowing Almeria to make a comeback, emphasizing the need for focus against Lazio.
8. Diego Simeone, Atletico's coach, faces a challenging task of managing player fatigue, especially with a quick turnaround for a demanding league game after the Champions League clash.
9. Key players like Morata, De Paul, and Griezmann need to be in top form for the upcoming league game, posing a significant challenge for Simeone to balance rest and performance.
10. Both Barcelona and Atletico aim for positive outcomes in their respective matches, with different pressures and stakes highlighting the importance of managing squad fitness and securing favorable results.
(With Agency Inputs)
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