MADRID, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid holds the edge to reach the Champions League semifinals when FC Barcelona visits in the second leg of their quarterfinal on Tuesday, with Diego Simeone's side set to protect a 2-0 lead at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Atletico seized control of the tie with a composed win at Camp Nou last week, where Julian Alvarez struck from a free kick before Alexander Sorloth added a second after the break. With the cushion and home support, Atletico needs only to manage the contest to advance.

Recent meetings between the clubs have offered little predictability. Atletico routed Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal in February, only for Barcelona to overturn the tie with a 3-0 win in the return. Barcelona also won 2-1 in Madrid in La Liga days before Atletico's victory in last week's first leg.

Simeone has prioritized freshness. None of the outfield players who started at Camp Nou were in the lineup for Saturday's 2-1 league loss to Sevilla, leaving Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann, Giuliano Simeone, Ademola Lookman and Marcos Llorente rested for the decisive match. Marc Pubill is expected to replace the injured David Hancko in defense.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has had fewer options to rotate. His side needed late goals to secure a 4-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal and Pedri playing the full match. Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin and Fermin Lopez are also set to feature again.

There were signs of recovery for Barcelona, with Gavi making his first start since knee surgery, Frenkie de Jong returning in a limited role and Marc Bernal nearing fitness after an ankle injury.

Barcelona must attack to overturn the deficit, a requirement that carries risk. Atletico exposed space behind Barcelona's high defensive line in their Copa del Rey meeting, and a similar approach could again prove decisive. ■