Barcelona and Atletico Madrid name strong line-ups for Metropolitano clash

Barcelona have named Marc Bernal in midfield for their La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, with manager Hansi Flick leaving Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia on the bench.

Bernal has been selected to replace Rodri, while Brian Farinas keeps his place at right-back. The decision follows an impressive second-half display against Aston Villa, which earned the midfielder Flick’s backing for a demanding fixture comparable to Barcelona’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.

Farinas will make his third consecutive start after featuring in the previous matches against Alaves and Aston Villa. He joins Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin in defence, with Joao Cancelo starting at left-back.

Flick has opted against risking Eric Garcia, who will begin among the substitutes.

In midfield, Bernal will line up alongside Pedri and Fermin in the absence of Rodri. Pedri is expected to take on greater responsibility in possession, operating closer to the holding role and being given more freedom to organise Barcelona’s movement and control the ball.

There are no changes in attack. Raphinha will continue as the central striker, with Gordon on the left and Lamine Yamal on the right.

Raphinha’s increasing attacking influence in the position has made him an important part of Flick’s reshaped side. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, he has scored 19 goals for Barcelona during the 2026-27 season.

Atletico’s approach

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone will start Jan Oblak in goal, with Marcos Llorente at right-back. Llorente may move into a third centre-back role when required, alongside Pubill, Hanko and Grimaldo.

The defensive structure is intended to limit Barcelona’s attacking trio of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Fermin, while still allowing Atletico to attack down the flanks.

Although Cardoso and Morten Hjulmand have returned to the squad, both will start on the bench. Pablo Barrios and Koke are expected to operate together in the deeper midfield positions as Atletico look to balance defensive duties with their build-up play.

Giuliano Simeone will play on the right, using his physical qualities and defensive support to help Llorente. Baena will occupy the left flank and assist Grimaldo in dealing with the threat posed by Lamine Yamal.

Julian Alvarez leads the Atletico attack and remains the side’s main source of danger. He will be joined by Lee Kang-in, who returns to the starting line-up after appearing as a substitute against Bayern Munich.

Lee Kang-in will play an attacking role alongside Alvarez, but can move to the right wing when Atletico revert to a 5-4-1 shape without the ball. Jonathan David, Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth will begin on the bench.

Barcelona’s match comes within the La Liga schedule on 22 November 2026, the same date listed for Villarreal against Getafe.