Barcelona now discover themselves in a tough place after struggling a within the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.
It was a end result that not solely uncovered some weaknesses but in addition positioned immense stress on the second leg.
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Overturning a two-goal deficit isn’t simple, particularly towards a defensively stable Atletico facet.
Moreover, the scenario turns into much more difficult because of the circumstances surrounding the fixture.
Earlier than travelling to the Metropolitano, Barcelona should first shift their focus to an important La Liga conflict towards Espanyol.
, and that might impression rhythm heading into the decisive European evening.
Including to their issues, Pau Cubarsi will miss the second leg because of suspension, whereas doubts stay over the health of Pedri and Marc Bernal.
These setbacks might considerably have an effect on each defensive stability and midfield management.
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Nonetheless, there are sufficient causes for Barcelona to really feel {that a} comeback remains to be a risk.
Earlier outcomes towards Atletico provide actual hope
Regardless of the setback, Barcelona have robust causes to consider they will nonetheless flip this tie round.
Barcelona have beforehand crushed Atletico Madrid. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
One of many largest positives comes from their current document towards Atletico Madrid.
Hansi Flick’s facet has already proven that they will produce large outcomes towards Diego Simeone’s group, even in tough environments.
Simply over a 12 months in the past, Barcelona managed to overturn a 0-2 deficit on the Metropolitano to safe a exceptional 4-2 victory.
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That comeback stays a strong reminder of what this squad is able to underneath stress.
This season, Barcelona as soon as once more demonstrated their capacity to reply towards Atletico.
After going 0-1 down at Montjuïc in La Liga, they fought again to win 3-1.
Curiously, that actual scoreline can be sufficient to pressure further time within the present Champions League tie.
There’s additionally the current Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, the place Barcelona secured a dominant 3-0 win.
Whereas that end result got here in a distinct context, it nonetheless highlights the group’s capability to ship when every little thing clicks.
Barcelona’s comeback stats
One other main purpose for optimism lies in Barcelona’s capacity to get better from shedding positions this season.
Barcelona have acknowledged a number of comebacks this season. (Picture by Denis Doyle/Getty Photos)
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Merely put, Barcelona have already staged as many as ten comebacks this season throughout all competitions, together with seven in La Liga and three within the Champions League.
That statistic alone proves that Barcelona don’t panic underneath stress.
Extra importantly, six of these comebacks got here away from residence, which is a vital issue forward of the second leg in Madrid, because it proves that Barcelona can deal with hostile atmospheres and nonetheless ship outcomes.
One of many standout examples stays their thrilling 5-3 victory over Actual Betis and matches like that reveals the attacking high quality inside the squad and their capacity to outscore opponents even in tough conditions.
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That mentioned, European historical past presents a slight concern.
It is because Barcelona have beforehand overturned deficits of two or extra objectives on 5 events out of 12 makes an attempt, however all of these successes got here at residence.
This time, they need to obtain one thing related away from their very own stadium.
De Jong’s return might be decisive
Whereas accidents and suspensions have created issues, there may be additionally a big enhance heading into the second leg.
Frenkie de Jong will return for the second leg. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
It is because , and his presence might play a key position in Barcelona’s possibilities of a comeback.
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The Dutch midfielder presents composure, management, and intelligence in possession – qualities that have been clearly lacking within the first leg.
Flick is predicted to provide him minutes towards Espanyol to make sure he’s totally match-fit for the journey to the Metropolitano.
His presence, particularly within the wake of potential absences of Pedri and Marc Bernal, can be a significant enhance.
Past ways and squad depth, Barcelona may even rely closely on their emotional response.
The defeat within the first leg clearly affected the gamers, and that disappointment heading into the return fixture.
This can be a squad that has proven resilience all through the season.
When confronted with adversity, they’ve typically responded with robust performances and that mentality shall be examined as soon as once more on the Metropolitano.