Who starts for Barcelona vs Atletico?

Barcelona lineup vs. Atletico: Gavi starts

Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid with a lineup that includes Gavi, while Frenkie de Jong is not in the starting group and Marcus Rashford is also absent.

The selection matters because it comes on the heels of Barcelona’s Champions League exit to Atlético, a matchup that left the club facing scrutiny over its late-game performance and overall execution.

What this means on the pitch

• Gavi’s presence signals Barcelona will lean on a high-energy, pressing-capable midfielder profile.
• De Jong’s absence suggests Barcelona will have fewer options for controlled build-up through central progression.
• Rashford not starting indicates the forward group will be reshaped for Atlético’s defensive structure.

Why fans will care

The Champions League elimination fueled anger inside the fanbase, with Raphinha criticizing the outcome as “robbed” and noting he missed the match. Barcelona’s lineup choices for games tied to this elimination theme will be closely watched as evidence of how coach Hansi Flick responds—tactically and in personnel—after falling short.

Barcelona’s immediate focus is how it resets after Atlético’s run to the semis, including whether the midfield and pressing plan can compensate for missing players who typically carry possession and chance creation.