Atletico Madrid aim to overturn a one-goal deficit and qualify for the Copa del Rey semi-finals, in which case they would become the main candidates for the coveted trophy.

Leo Messi’s late goal after he missed a penalty put Barcelona in the driving seat, but the Catalans will have to work hard to make it through.

Having returned to the top of European football, Atletico are clearly here to stay, as witnessed by their performances this season.

Oddly enough, los Colchoneros were the most impressive when facing arguably the world’s strongest side, having already enjoyed several morale-boosting triumphs over bitter rivals Real Madrid.

However, they were not nearly as successful in matches against Barcelona, losing the league tie 3-1 at Camp Nou before also suffering a 1-0 defeat in Copa del Rey.

Atletico Madrid players worked hard to keep their net intact in the Cup tie, but even with Messi missing a late penalty, the Argentine scored on the rebound to win the game for the Catalans.

Los Colchoneros, nonetheless, have reason for optimism ahead of the return leg, and they can be backed at 6.00 (5/1) to qualify for the semis.

Diego Simeone is sweating over the fitness of star midfielder Koke, who could be left on the bench, while Cristian Ansaldi is definitely out and Diego Godin is banned.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Oblak – Juanfran, Gimenez, Miranda, Siqueira – Mario, Gabi – Turan, Garcia, Griezmann – Torres.

Following what was one of the most disappointing seasons in recent years, Barcelona are out to make amends this term and they have been doing fairly well up to this point.

The Catalans sit one point behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who also have a game in hand, while they have been handed a tough Champions League draw with Manchester City on the other side.

This means that Copa del Rey remains club’s best chance of lifting a major trophy this season, especially with los Blancos out of the competition.

Barcelona were forced to work hard for the victory in the first leg against Atletico, and they are now 2.25 (5/4) to win the return match as well.

Apart from first choice keeper Claudio Bravo, who will make way for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, all other first team regulars are expected to play at Vicente Calderon.

Ivan Rakitic should be available after recovering from a knee problem, while Jeremy Mathieu faces a fitness test and Douglas Pereira is out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): ter Stegen – Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.