UCL Preview: Barcelona look to bounce back against Atletico

The rivalry between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid resurfaces in the Champions League, this time with Atletico filled with confidence and Barca struggling.

The teams have been jostling for top spot in La Liga for the entire season, where Barcelona had been dominant until their title hopes were dented by two consecutive setbacks, the latest of which being Saturday's El Clasico defeat against 10-man Real Madrid.

Atletico, meanwhile, routed Real Betis to finally get within range of the league title, and they enter Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first-leg at the Camp Nou knowing Barcelona have lost some of their confidence and can be beaten.

Atletico eliminated the current holders and five-time European champions at the same stage of the competition in 2013/14 - the only time the teams have met in Europe's elite-club tournament.

A hard-fought 1-1 draw in Cataluna two years ago was followed up with a similarly staunch 1-0 victory at the Vicente Calderon as Atleti made it all the way to the final, where they lost to Real in Lisbon.

And Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is hoping for a repeat performance. "Every game against Barcelona is different," he said.

"We have to prepare as well as possible to be able to reach our goal against them."

With Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar thriving, Barcelona appeared to be cruising toward their goal of repeating last season's La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble.

Two weeks ago, however, Barca threw away a two-goal lead against Villarreal as they left El Madrigal with a point. Then came Saturday's 2-1 reverse at home to Madrid.

"This game (against Real Madrid) is already in the past," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said. "We hadn't lost in many games, but the loss can also teach you things.

"We need to keep doing what we were doing well and see in which areas we need to improve."

Team news
Barcelona will be without Aleix Vidal after the defender suffered a muscle injury to his right abductor during his side's final training session before the game.

The 26-year-old joins Jeremy Mathieu, Adriano and Sandro Ramirez on the sidelines.

Diego Godin, Stefan Savic and Yannick Carrasco are all expected to be in the visitor's squad after all three returned to training.

There are still doubts regarding the fitness of Jesus Gamez, who suffered a knock in training, while Luciano Vietto could also miss the trip to the Nou Camp after suffering a bout of gastroenteritis.

Jose Gimenez is likely to miss out with a hamstring problem, while midfielders Tiago and Oliver Torres are also sidelined.

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