Diego Simeone has made his call. On the eve of a seismic Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona, the Atlético Madrid coach is leaving Jan Oblak in Madrid and placing his trust once again in Juan Musso.
It is a bold decision, but not a reckless one.
Atlético travel to Camp Nou on Wednesday night still stung by their recent 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga’s 30th round at the Metropolitano Stadium, a breathless contest that underlined just how thin the margins are between these two sides. That league loss now hangs over this European tie, sharpening the edges of an already fierce rivalry.
Oblak Stays Home, Musso Keeps the Gloves
Four absences shape Simeone’s squad list and complicate Atlético’s task. Oblak will not make the trip. Nor will Jonny Cardoso, José María Giménez or Pablo Barrios, all sidelined through injury or knocks.
For weeks, the question around Atlético’s camp has been the same: stick with the in-form Musso, or restore the fit-again Oblak to his usual place between the posts?
Oblak has been out since 7 March, when he last featured in La Liga against Real Sociedad. He then missed league fixtures against Getafe, Real Madrid and Barcelona, plus the Champions League clash with Tottenham – a full month without competitive action.
Musso stepped in and never blinked. The Argentine has delivered a run of commanding performances in Oblak’s absence, turning what might have been a straightforward recall into a genuine dilemma for Simeone.
Oblak has trained well in recent sessions, strong enough to reopen the debate and force his manager to weigh loyalty against rhythm. For a time, it was a live question: reputation or form?
The answer is now clear. Match sharpness has tipped the scales.
Musso will start at Camp Nou.
A Quarter-Final Framed by Risk
Simeone’s choice reflects the reality of knockout football. This is not a night for easing a star name back into the fold. It is a night for the goalkeeper who has been feeling the weight of the ball, the speed of the game, the pressure of every decision.
Atlético arrive without key pieces, facing a Barcelona side that has already beaten them recently and knows exactly how to hurt them. The margin for error is slim. The Rojiblancos need certainty, not sentiment.
In goal, at least, they have made theirs. Now Musso must justify it under the Camp Nou lights.
