A perfect match

Win, win and win again. The setting was unbeatable, the Vicente Calderón all dressed up and Atlético squandering courage and heart. A stunning beginning of a match that saw how Adrián missed with a left-foot volley that crashed against the woodwork. Number 7’s insistence wins a header for Koke with which the home-grown player converted the first of the night. The stands went crazy and the Atléticos too. Adrián and David Villa, soon after, would also crash powerful shots against the crossbar. It was a total siege and Barcelona couldn’t get over Atlético’s pressure.

The visit to the changing rooms didn’t alter the script of the match. Barcelona, which had their first opportunity in an attack from Neymar which was well saved by Courtois, wanted to control the game, while the Atleticos flew on the counterattack. Diego Ribas, who replaced Adrián, entered the game at a frantic pace, just as he did in Camp Nou, and the first ball he touched, tested Pinto with a snap-shot sent to the corner by the goalie. A corner that ended with a header by Godín which was gathered once again by Barcelona’s goalkeeper.

Simeone’s team were passion and work and proved it with each play. Raúl García could have extended the lead but Barcelona’s midfielders would not allow the goal. Neymar delivered Barcelona’s response with a diving header that brushed against the post. Cristian Rodríguez had the last one but the shot ended with Pinto clearing the ball. The deafening urge from the stands muffled the final whistle that indicated the game’s end. Atlético is still writing history. We are in the Champions semifinals!