Atleticos Costa out of Barca UCL clash 09 Apr 2014 19:45:17 Atletico Madrids top scorer Diego Costa was not even fit enough for a place on the bench as his side aim to qualify for the Champions League semifinals when they host Barcelona on Wednesday. The Spanish international limped off with a hamstring injury after just half an hour of last weeks 1-1 draw in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie at the Camp Nou. Adrian Lopez, who has scored just two goals in 31 appearances this season, takes Costas place alongside former Barca striker David Villa in attack, while Raul Garcia replaces the injured Arda Turan in Diego Simeones only other change from the first leg. Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino makes just one enforced change as Marc Bartra replaces the injured Gerard Pique in central defence. However, Cesc Fabregas is expected to play in a more advanced role than he has done in recent weeks, alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi in attack, with Andres Iniesta returning to his favoured position in central midfield. Starting line-ups: Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Thibaut Courtois; Juanfran, Diego Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis; Koke, Gabi (capt), Tiago, Raul Garcia; David Villa, Adrian Lopez. Barcelona (4-3-3): Jose Manuel Pinto; Dani Alves, Marc Bartra, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xavi (capt), Andres Iniesta; Neymar, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas. Referee: Howard Webb (ENG)
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 19:47:33 +0000