
Simeone Names Atletico Madrid Squad for Barcelona Clash, Oblak Returns
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has announced his 23-player squad for the highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona. The match is set to take place at the Metropolitano Stadium this Tuesday evening (20:00 GMT+1).
The squad sees the return of midfielder Cardoso and goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Atletico Madrid enters this fixture aiming to secure a semi-final berth for the fourth time under the Argentine coach, having won the first leg 2-0.
Regarding absences, the team will be without Hanko and Jose Maria Gimenez due to various injuries. Popel is also unavailable due to suspension.
Pablo Barrios did not receive the necessary medical clearance to participate, despite having rejoined group training since Monday, leading to his exclusion from the matchday squad.
Simeone has bolstered the squad by calling up three academy players: Dani Martinez, Bonar, and Julio Diaz. Goalkeeper Esquivel has also been included as the third-choice option between the posts.