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Having suffered a loss for the first time in 40 matches, FC Barcelona must bounce back quickly if they are to defeat stubborn rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of tonight’s Champions League quarter-final. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:45am AEST.
For all their consistency and success in the previous 40 matches or so, tonight’s result against Atletico Madrid may very well dictate if Barcelona’s season ends up being a success or failure.
Coming off a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico is hardly the ideal preparation for what promises to another tight affair against Atletico at the Nou Camp.
Given that the first leg is at home, Barcelona simply must win tonight if they want to lessen the difficulty of breaking down arguably the finest defensive team in Europe come the second leg.
Atletico will most likely be chasing a score draw to take back to the Vicente Cauldron so expect Diego Simeone’s men to play on the counter-attack against a suspect Barcelona defence.
Both of Madrid’s goals in the 2-1 victory were the result of clinical counter-attacking play. If Barcelona press too high up the pitch, Atletico stars Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres and Angel Correa will hurt the reigning European champions.
Indeed Barcelona need no reminders as to the danger that Atletico present tonight. Both of these teams met in the 2014 Champions League and it was Atletico who prevailed 1-1 over two legs, having scored a priceless away goal at the Camp Nou.
If Atletico are able to hit the lead again tonight, Barcelona will panic and the more numbers they force forward, the more Atletico will be able to hurt them on the break.
With that said, a Barcelona victory tonight will make things difficult for Atletico in the second leg. Atletico are uncomfortable chasing leads and the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar will put them to bed quickly if Barcelona is able to get on the front foot.
Speaking of Suarez, the Uruguayan needs to improve his accuracy in front of goal. He has produced some glaring misses in big matches against Arsenal and Real Madrid and needs to start converting these opportunities against strong opposition.
Overall, Barcelona must remain patient tonight and show Atletico respect. The chances will come, and whether or not Suarez, Neymar and Messi can put those chances away will dictate if Barcelona’s Champions League defence remains alive heading into the second leg.
Barcelona to win 2-0