UEFA Champions League: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid preview

Primera Liga title rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will forget all about the title chase when they meet in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals on Tuesday. Atletico are currently leading the Primera Liga table, one point clear of second-placed Barcelona. These two sides have never met before in an European competition but they have faced each other three times this season. Barcelona won the Super Cup on away goals after both legs ended all square while the Primera Liga meeting in January ended 0-0. Barcelona have entered the Champions League semi finals in the last six seasons while Atletico have never reached the quarter finals of the competition since 1997 and have not reached the semi finals in 40 years. Atletico have not managed to win at Camp Nou since a 3-1 league triumph in 2006. However, Barcelona have a rather weak record against Spanish opponents in Europe, they have lost five of nine ties over two legs. Barcelona knocked out Manchester City to reach this stage, while Atletico defeated Italian side AC Milan. Lionel Messi is in great shape for Barcelona, he scored nine goals in his last five appearances in all competitions. The home side will be without goalkeeper Victor Valdes who suffered a severe knee injury while Atletico will miss Javier Manquillo (injured) and Raul Garcia (suspended). Here are the odds for Tuesday's match at Bet365: Barcelona win - 1/2 Draw - 7/2 Atletico Madrid win - 13/2