Barcelona is preparing for a crucial Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on April 12, 2026, but faces potential setbacks as midfielder Marc Bernal is likely to be ruled out due to injury.

In their recent La Liga fixture, Barcelona secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Espanyol, which allowed them to move nine points clear of Real Madrid in the league standings. This win comes just days before their important clash with Atletico Madrid.

During the match against Espanyol, Lamine Yamal played a crucial role, assisting Ferran Torres for two of the goals. Torres, who had been struggling with a 13-game goalless run, finally found the back of the net twice, celebrating his first goal with a gesture referencing the media discussions about his scoring difficulties.

Barcelona’s recent success is overshadowed by their earlier defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, where they lost 2-0. This loss has put additional pressure on the team as they prepare for the return leg.

Coach Hansi Flick has been cautious with player rotations, admitting he hesitated to substitute Yamal during the Espanyol match after they made it 2-1. Flick’s decision reflects the importance of maintaining key players’ fitness as they head into a critical phase of the season.

Frenkie de Jong made a significant return to the squad, appearing for the first time in over a month after recovering from injury, adding depth to Barcelona’s midfield as they look to bounce back against Atletico Madrid.

As the team gears up for the upcoming match, the expectation is that Bernal will return to training on Wednesday, once the Atletico Madrid match has concluded. This timeline could impact his availability for future fixtures.

Barcelona will also need to focus on their next La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo following the Champions League encounter, as they aim to maintain their lead in the league.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding Bernal’s injury status, but the team is hopeful for a swift recovery. The upcoming match against Atletico Madrid is seen as a pivotal moment for Barcelona’s season.