News
MIÉ 13.04.2016
The stage was set for a fine game of football, and it certainly didn't disappoint. This was a clash of two of the Liga BBVA's heavyweights, Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona,and both sides came into the game with just one thing on their minds: securing their places in the Champions League semi-finals. In the first leg, the Catalan giants ran out 2-1 winners, in a game which saw Fernando Torres put the visitors ahead, only for Barcelona to hit back courtesy of a Luis Suarez brace. Everything was set for the decisive second-leg showdown at the Vicente Calderon, in which it was Atletico who ultimately prevailed.
The Calderon was packed out, with over 50,000 supporters inside the stadium. Atleti slightly shaded the opening exchanges, with the game's first chance falling to Gabi inside just three minutes. Antoine Griezmann also had a chance to have put the hosts in front, but Ter Stegen was equal to the Frenchman's header. The pressure applied by Diego Simeone's charges and their and excellent organisation were central to Atletico's game plan, whilst Barça focused on playing the ball around and retaining possession. As the game wore on, both sides contrived to cancel each other out, but it was Atletico who broke the deadlock. A sublime cross from Saul was met by Griezmann , who headed powerfully home to hand Simeone's troops a 35th-minute lead. The sides went in at the break with the hosts leading 1-0.
. @AntoGriezmann: “The win is also for the fans, they always support us in an incredible way.” #GoAtleti #UCL pic.twitter.com/CewEBCKBjw
— Atleti English (@atletienglish) April 13, 2016
The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with the Rojiblancos firing an early warning shot, as a Saul header crashed off the upright. Within minutes Barcelona began to look menacing and Suarez had the best chance to have drawn his side level, but Jan Oblak was alert to the danger. The Catalans were gradually making inroads into the hosts' box and the Azulgranas totally dominated in the final 15 minutes, but it was Atletico who struck again with Griezmann netting his second of the night. The referee awarded an 87th-minute spot-kick and the Frenchman stepped up to make it 2-0 and seal Atletico's passage into the Champions League semi-finals.
© LALIGA - 2016