Atletico Madrid face the difficult task of finishing their Champions League quarter-final clash at Borussia Dortmund’s home stadium, although they are 2-1 ahead from last week’s first leg at the Civitas Metropolitano.

More worrying news for Diego Simeone is that Samuel Lino, one of Atleti’s best players this season, is unavailable due to suspension. The likes of Rodrigo Riquelme, Reinildo Mandava and Saul Niguez have been in the running to replace him, but Simeone has instead opted for veteran defender Cesar Azpilicueta.

Saul was injured against Girona on Saturday, but he has come through a fitness test to take his place on the Atleti bench at Signal Iduma Park. Angel Correa is also among the substitutes, despite scoring at the weekend, with Alvaro Morata still preferred despite his goalscoring woes over the last few months.

Atletico Madrid only need to avoid defeat to reach the semi-finals, so a defensive masterclass is required in Dortmund. It could be peak Simeone-ball for Los Rojiblancos.

The post Diego Simeone decides on veteran as Samuel Lino replacement for Borussia Dortmund-Atletico Madrid clash appeared first on Football España.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance
Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
Rafael Nadal switches gears, gives major update on French Open status
DeMar DeRozan confirms desire to return to Bulls
Mavericks defense rises to occasion in Game 5 win vs. Thunder
Steelers to make history in final two months of 2024 season
Packers will play on Thanksgiving with a rare twist in 2024
Steelers veteran reportedly plans to sit out OTAs
Padres pitcher has honest reaction to team getting booed off the field
Athletics place lefty on 15-day IL, transfer infielder to 60-day
Atlanta to be first race of NASCAR's In-Season Tournament
West Point alum made history in his MLB debut with Reds
Heat legend cautions Lakers against hiring JJ Redick
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut
Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to blowout win in Game 5 vs. Pacers
Nikola Jokic torches DPOY to lead Nuggets past Wolves in Game 5
Oilers use late heroics to tie Canucks at two games each

Want more news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.