Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona QF 2nd Leg 19:45 KO

SantryRed

There's no doubt that the first leg of this game was the tie of the round last week.

It'll be interesting to see how both teams set up. I find it truly remarkable how these two teams cancel each other out as much as they do.

1-1/0-0/0-0/1-1 are the results so far this season.

Gerard Pique is out for Barca whilst Costa will undergo a fitness test today to see if he will play.

Really, really looking forward to this!

GavRedKing

I reckon barca will go through but would love if it was Atleti.

prettyboy81

Think Atleti will get through 2-1 in a tight, edgy game!

Morzadec

Extra-time would not surprise me.

Would predict Barca to go through on the tightest of margins, maybe 1-2 in extra-time or a 0-1 win in normal time.

BUt difficult to predict anything without being sure on the fitness of Costa, such an important player for Atleti.

BUt based on what we've seen, and Atleti's performances this season (always very tough to beat), you would have to expcet a very close match/tie which will probably be in doubt up until the final whistle is blown.

Would be great if Atleti could do it

Turtwig

We're in store another cracker.

Pique is a huge loss. Pinto is a liability so if Atletico have Costa back, which I suspect they will, I'd have to fancy them in the Calderon. Bartra is quality, but it's such a big game for him and having the unpredictable Mascherano for a partner only spells trouble. Especially if Costa starts. Also the referee will play a huge part in this game. Howard Webb does not have bottle and this will suit Atleti more than it will suit Barca. Atleti can kick them a bit more and are less likely to concede penalties.

Expect Atleti to hold out for a clean sheet and go through.

Edit: This type of tie makes me hate the away goal rule. If Barca score one they have a massive advantage. Every goal thereafter is effectively two. Even if the tie is evenly poised.

BarcodeMuncher

Hate when there is the two good games on at once

Nuri Sahin

Atleti to win 1-0.

The Calderon will be rocking tonight.

dfx-

Atletico to go through, simply because of the wonder goal. Think 1-0 on the break late on.

Looking for an Iniesta goal though which is never a bad sign.

Mr.Micro

Barca to go through, as athletico will concede more than one away goal.

rob316

Atletico are such an impressive team this season. Ultra aggressive and clinical, I think they will have too much for Barca.

1- 0 Atletico

Andersonisgod

Diego Costa hasn't made it, Tata has against opted to play a front 6 of Messi, Fabregas, Neymar, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. Though Barcelona are without Valdes and Pique (two huge blows) and it is as the intense Calderon, I think Barcelona will go through. They have the big game experience and the quality to get through this tie, even if chasing a goal from the start isn't ideal.

barone

these two are pretty even this year, messi could be the difference .. would not be at all surprised to see leti go through

RichT

This game is being shown on SKY1 if you're not a Sky Sports subscriber.

John Cherry

GavRedKing wrote: »

I reckon barca will go through but would love if it was Atleti.

I bet you would

miralize

That third jersey is beautiful

miralize

and we're cut open..

Lightbulb Sun

Good man Koke.

Andersonisgod

Mascherano is lost the entire way through that move.

Nuri Sahin

Goooooooooooooooooooool Koke.

super_furry

Yeow! Barcelona look like they've been out on the piss.

Nuri Sahin

Villa strikes the woodwork

Lightbulb Sun

Villa hits the post, should be 3 up at least.

SantryRed

What a game this is already.

Nuri Sahin

Again, denied by the woodwork..

weldoninhio

Andersonisgod wrote: »

Diego Costa hasn't made it, Tata has against opted to play a front 6 of Messi, Fabregas, Neymar, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. Though Barcelona are without Valdes and Pique (two huge blows) and it is as the intense Calderon, I think Barcelona will go through. They have the big game experience and the quality to get through this tie, even if chasing a goal from the start isn't ideal.

Busquets is a DM and will sit in front of Bartra/Masch. How you include him as part of a "front six" is beyond me. Xavi will sit in centre mid too.

SantryRed

This game is so open compared to previous games between them. Could easily be 3-2. Messi should have at least one.

Andersonisgod

weldoninhio wrote: »

Busquets is a DM and will sit in front of Bartra/Masch. How you include him as part of a "front six" is beyond me. Xavi will sit in centre mid too.

Very easily, they are the 6 players that play in front of the back four, they will all rotate except for Busquets who acts as a base, thus a front 6. Though obviously they aren't 6 strikers.

kingshankly

Barcelona are horrible to watch

Ulysses Gaze

Hard to see that Barca defence not conceding again.

miralize

kingshankly wrote: »

Barcelona are horrible to watch

Why are you then?

Turtwig

Neymar playing better than messi.

miralize

Jernal wrote: »

Neymar playing better than messi.

Messi has been so non-existant. We might as well be playing with 10 men ffs.

That_Guy

Excellent game of football. Really enjoying it though I really hope that Atletico don't rue those missed opportunities.

Andersonisgod

Alves has been toxic on the right. He's been beaten far too easily and his delivery has been mostly woeful. Fabregas also has been poor, too slow in possession, Tata should surely think about Sanchez or Pedro for Cesc at half time. Meanwhile there's a Pique shaped hole at the heart of the defence and Pinto remains a nuisance for my blood pressure.

MR NINE

Is this game on film on does anyone know?

Turtwig

Not Alves problem. He's got no cover. Messi not tracking back.Pedro/Alexis make Barca defence a whole lot better.

Turtwig

I love pinto. You just can't predict what he'll do. :cool:

kingshankly

miralize wrote: »

Why are you then?

Simple really I have financial interest in the game

Amirani

Really disappointing that Atleti are only leading by one, tie could be dead by now.

SantryRed

MR NINE wrote: »

Is this game on film on does anyone know?

It's on Sky 1 if that's on it.

super_furry

This has 1-1 written all over it.

Amirani

How did Barca not score there?

Amirani

That should've been game. Anyone but Gabi.

Lightbulb Sun

Blatant penalty! Joke of a decision from Webb.

SantryRed

Definite penalty. Webb has bottled that.

Ulysses Gaze

Lightbulb Sun wrote: »

Blatant penalty! Joke of a decision from Webb.

How Webb still gets to Ref big games is beyond me.

Cake Man

Disgusting decision not to give that, shocking from the ref

taidghbaby

Howard Webb is England's best referee! Jesus

Amirani

Can't see how he didn't give that.

LuckyLloyd

Ooooh, just past the post from Neymar...

super_furry

How's the second half been?