oblak is at the center of Atlético’s biggest selection call before Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Barcelona at the Metropolitano. The issue is whether Diego Simeone keeps Juan Musso in goal or turns back to Jan Oblak, who is listed as a doubt and is not expected to start. The match is set for Tuesday, April 14, and Atlético carry a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.
Atlético’s goalkeeper call puts oblak under the spotlight
The most immediate storyline around Atlético is the goalkeeper decision, and oblak remains the reference point even with Musso expected to continue. One team note states that Simeone is leaning toward the expected XI and keeping Musso between the posts instead of oblak. Another team outline says oblak has recovered, but the coach still has to decide whether to keep Musso or restore his first-choice keeper for the Champions League and league.
That uncertainty sits inside a wider defensive problem for Atlético. Dávid Hancko is out with an ankle sprain, Pablo Barrios is sidelined by a muscle injury, and Marc Pubill is suspended for accumulation of yellow cards. José María Giménez and Johnny Cardoso are also listed as doubts, although they could still be available from the bench.
Barcelona arrive short on options
Barcelona also enter the night without a full squad. Raphinha is ruled out with a thigh injury, while Marc Bernal and Andreas Christensen are unavailable as well. Frenkie de Jong is listed as doubtful because of a hamstring overload, and Ronald Araujo is not at 100 percent, although the available information indicates he is expected to start.
The shape of the game is therefore being defined as much by absences as by tactics. Atlético’s edge from the first leg gives them room to manage the tie, but not enough to relax. For Barcelona, the need to chase the deficit comes with a weakened group and limited margin for error.
What Simeone is expected to keep unchanged
The expected Atlético structure still points to Le Normand and Lenglet as the central pairing, with Griezmann joining Julián Álvarez up front. Llorente and Koke are expected in midfield, and the team is described as likely to stay aggressive at home. One lineup note also says Atlético want to press again in their stadium, while another warns that any setback in defense could force improvised alternatives.
That is why oblak matters so much in this build-up. His status affects not only the goalkeeping spot but also the tone of Simeone’s selection. If Musso stays in, Atlético keep continuity; if oblak returns, it would mark a clear statement from the bench.
Quick context before kickoff
The tie began with a 2-0 Atlético win, which gives Simeone’s side a useful but unfinished advantage. The second leg is being framed as a test of discipline, depth, and the ability to survive pressure with several names missing.
Inside Atlético, the immediate question is whether oblak is trusted for a return or kept in reserve. Once that call is made, the rest of the night will be shaped by how well Simeone’s side protects its lead and whether Barcelona can make the absences count. If the game turns late, oblak could still become one of the defining names of the tie.
