Just in: Fermin Lopez replaces Christensen in Barcelona starting XI vs Atletico Madrid

Xavi had decided to make a fair few changes to the starting lineup that took on Napoli in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie this week as they came away with a 3-1 win.

He was forced to replace Joao Cancelo with Hector Fort as the left-back as the Portuguese recently picked up some minor discomfort and was not a part of the travelling squad announced by the club.

In attack, Joao Felix was brought in place of Lamine Yamal, but which was not surprising, but the major change was benching Fermin Lopez in midfield, and instead opting for Sergi Roberto.

Roberto was going to be partnering Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan as the trident, but as announced by the club right now, Christensen picked up some discomfort during the warm-up leading up to the game.

He has been, therefore, dropped from the starting lineup, and Xavi has opted to go for Fermin Lopez to replace him.

Gundogan will presumably take over the holding midfield position, with Roberto and Fermin as the interiors. Although, the Spanish captain could be asked to cover the no. 6 role, as well.