Probably the most difficult tie to predict among all the quarter-final pairings, the first leg lived up to its billings. Atletico struck first and then Barcelona equalised. Here we are today with the second leg in prospect. It promises to be one of the most keenly contested matches of recent times.
Los Colchoneros kept their one point lead in La Liga with a slim 1-0 win over the yellow submarine on Saturday. The goal tonight is to send Barcelona packing and they have the weapons to execute their mission. Two of the most potent weapons in Simeone's arsenal are major doubts for tonight's war. Diego Costa and Arda Turan are struggling with hamstring and groin injuries respectively. There is a chance that the much maligned Christian Rodriguez could be given a chance today. The Uruguayan hasn't featured much for the Spanish League leaders this term.
Barcelona have problems of their own. Gerard Pique can play no part in tonight's match and these are desperate times for the Catalan club, especially in defence. A 3-1 win over Betis at the Nou Camp was enough to remain one point behind Atletico. It has been difficult to separate both team during the course of the season but something has to give tonight at the Vicente Calderon. A winner must emerge.
Probable LINEUPS-
ATLETICO MADRID-
Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Felipe Luis, Gabi, Koke, Suarez M, Rodriguez, Diego/Diego Costa, Villa
BARCELONA-
Pinto, Alves, Batra, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta, Neymar, Messi
Atletico cannot afford any slips ups tonight. The boys know what is at stake. There is a bit of history for them to follow up on. They have won 16 of their 17 home ties in European Competition and in 106 home games v the Catalans, they have won 50 and lost only 33. Even without Diego Costa, they can give a good account of themselves and register their first victory over Barcelona this season in 5 attempts.
Leo Messi closed in on Suarez and CR7 in the race for the European golden shoe. The 26 year old football god can be the difference tonight. The over reliance on him since he became super human is evident and without, the team is like a lost sheep. Iniesta has regained some of the spark that made him the most feared playmaker in the World. A few of those defence splitting passes today and Barca will certainly go through. Neymar is the only Barcelona player to find the back of the net against the Rojiblancos in four meetings this campaign. His header decided the Super Coppa eight months ago. His equaliser last week ensured that Barcelona will live to fight another day. The day has come and he can become a hero today as he is used to the big occasion.
Diego Simeone has said that his team can beat the best and he aims to claim a big scalp tonight. Who says he can't?
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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