Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres will start in Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Barcelona, coach Diego Simeone has announced.
Torres opened the scoring in Atletico's 5-1 Primera Division win over Real Betis with a stylish chipped finish and helped create Antoine Griezmann's first goal before being taken off early in the second half.
The 32-year-old has netted four goals in his last seven league games and, although he has just five goals this term, he is Atletico's second top scorer behind Griezmann, outscoring big-money summer signings Jackson Martinez and Luciano Vietto.
And Simeone will reward the former Liverpool and Chelsea forward with a starting berth against Barca.
"I spoke to him before the game and that's why he only played 60 minutes -- he will play on Tuesday against Barcelona,'' the coach told a press conference.
Simeone also praised debutant Nacho Monsalve, called into the team due to Atletico's injury crisis at centre-back, with Diego Godin, Stefan Savic and Jose Gimenez still out.
"[On Friday] we decided he was the best player to do a job for us,'' the Argentinian said. "He has been training with us for a long time, and he played just how we thought he would - he played well and was very calm. It will strengthen him for the future.
"We're delighted another player has made his debut in the Primera Division for us. It's good news for the boys in the academy, as it will make them think they are training to reach an objective.''
He added: "Our players put in a great effort.
"We played with a 4-3-2-1 and they interpreted it well. It wasn't easy. We attacked a lot and as the game went on we played even better. We played with hope and enthusiasm."
Juanfran, scorer of Atletico's third goal, says his side will now head to the Nou Camp full of confidence after the resounding win.
"We're going there feeling very strong and our aim is to play well over there,'' he told Canal Plus. "It's all about coming back from the Nou Camp with the game still alive so we can try and win the tie at our place.
"We had to play well against Betis to set ourselves up well for Tuesday and dedicate the victory to our fans. We're really happy and the fans are proud of their team.''