Official: Atletico Madrid lineup against Barcelona

Diego Simeone is more than geared up to take on Barcelona, for this would be his chance to best Xavi using his tactics. Tactics that the Spaniard once called ‘unfit for a top club’. His best bet to go away with all three points relies on his starting XI.

The defending champions line up in a 4-4-2, as one would expect, with Barcelona legend Luis Suarez starting as the striker. Joao Felix will accompany him at the top as a second-striker.

The midfield features two wide midfielders in the form of Thomas Lemar and Yannick Carrasco on the left and right, respectively. Meanwhile, captain Koke starts alongside the brilliant Rodrigo de Paul in the double pivot.

? ¡Con todos vosotros, nuestro 1⃣1⃣ inicial! pic.twitter.com/iQ6gFnw3zI

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 6, 2022

Read also: Barcelona’s starting XI vs Atletico Madrid

Jose Gimenez starts in the heart of the defence with his long-term defensive partner Stefan Savic. Sime Vrsaljko starts as the orthodox full-back on the right, while Mario Hermoso will cover as a hybrid overlapping centre-back from the left. Jan Oblak retains his spot in goal.

Official Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Savic, Gimenez, Hermoso; Carrasco, de Paul, Koke, Lemar; Felix, Suarez