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Barcelona, Atletico Seek Champions League Success : Crucial Champions League Matches Loom for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid

Crucial Champions League Matches Loom for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid
Madrid (Spain), Jan 20 (NationPress) FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are preparing for crucial UEFA Champions League matches this Tuesday that could significantly influence their upcoming schedules. Barcelona is headed to Benfica aiming for a top-eight finish, while Atletico seeks to win against Bayer Leverkusen.

Synopsis

On January 20, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid face critical UEFA Champions League matches that could shape their schedules for next month. Barcelona seeks a top-eight finish against Benfica, while Atletico aims to secure a win at home against Bayer Leverkusen.

Key Takeaways

  • FC Barcelona seeks to secure a top-eight finish.
  • Atletico Madrid aims for a home victory.
  • Both teams face injuries to key players.
  • Avoiding the play-off round is crucial for both clubs.
  • Xabi Alonso's presence adds intensity to the Atletico-Leverkusen match.

Madrid (Spain), Jan 20 (NationPress) FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are set to engage in crucial matches during the UEFA Champions League group stage this Tuesday evening, which could significantly impact their upcoming commitments next month. Barcelona is heading to Benfica with the objective of securing a spot in the top eight, which would exempt Hansi Flick's squad from the additional play-off round that includes teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the group. This scenario would grant the team a two-week break in February free from midweek games, allowing for essential recovery time.

The absence of Inigo Martinez due to a hamstring injury will prevent the central defender from making the journey to Lisbon, while Dani Olmo is also sidelined following a calf strain sustained during Barca's 1-1 draw against Getafe on Saturday, according to reports from Xinhua. Despite accumulating 15 out of a possible 18 points, there remains much to accomplish, with teams such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich lurking just outside the top eight, only three points adrift. So far, Barcelona has triumphed in five of their six encounters, suffering one defeat while netting 21 goals and conceding seven.

Benfica will also be driven by a strong desire to perform well, as they currently sit in 15th place in the group, with a slim hope of breaking into the top six, yet not fully assured of a top-24 finish. The Portuguese side has recorded three victories out of six rounds and is currently positioned 15th in the standings.

Atletico, hosting Bayer Leverkusen, finds itself in 11th position, just one point behind their German counterparts in fourth place. A home victory would significantly enhance Atletico's chances of finishing within the top eight and evading the play-offs. They have recorded four wins, accumulating 12 points, with 14 goals scored but unfortunately conceding 10.

Following a surprising defeat against Leganes on Saturday, Atletico must rebound quickly, as that loss allowed Real Madrid to reclaim the top position in La Liga. Coach Diego Simeone will still be without the injured striker Alexander Sorloth, as his squad seeks to regain its attacking potency.

The presence of former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso in the Leverkusen bench is expected to add an extra competitive edge to the match, and some may view this game as Alonso's audition to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid upon his departure. Leverkusen currently sits in fourth place with 13 points, achieved through four victories, one draw, and one defeat in six matches. They have scored 12 goals and allowed five, resulting in a goal difference of seven.

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