News
MAR 05.04.2016
FC Barcelona hold a one-goal advantage after taking a 2-1 lead in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, but Diego Simeone's men have a valuable away goal and will still harbour hopes of progressing in front of their own fans on Wednesday 13 April.
The game started brightly with both sides pressuring each other and looking to get forward quickly. Neymar spurned Barça's best chance to score in the first half when he headed over from a good position after 19 minutes. Atletico broke the deadlock in the 25th when Koke’s pass set Fernando Torres scampering through into the area and his shot went between the legs of Marc Andre Ter Stegen. Atletico then lost Torres to a second yellow card soon after and Simeone’s men were on the back foot for the rest of the game.
A storming start by Barça in the second half saw the hosts create a series of chances until the pressure finally paid off. A ball to the back post was volleyed goalwards by Jordi Alba and in a crowded area Luis Suarez diverted the ball home from close range. There was no let up from the holders, however, and they took the lead after a well-worked move in the 74th. Uruguay striker Luis Suarez laid the ball out to the right flank for Dani Alves and darted into the area. The return cross was perfect and he powered a header past a helpess Jan Oblak.
Some desperate defending from Atletico in the closing stages kept them in the tie, despite them suffering a third successive 2-1 defeat against the Catalans this season.
© LALIGA - 2016