Barcelona welcomed Atletico Madrid to the Camp Nou for the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday.
Both sides had chances in what was an entertaining first period, but neither could make the breakthrough.
Barcelona continued to dominate possession in the second 45 minutes and took the lead late on when Lionel Messi converted from close range after Jan Oblak had initially denied the Argentine from the penalty spot.
The second leg will take place at the Vicente Calderon next week.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from the Camp Nou this evening as Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their quarter-final clash. It has all the makings of another classic as these two Spanish giants do battle once again.
Without further ado, let me bring you the all-important team news...
TEAMS
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic; Neymar, Messi, Suarez
ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira; Gabi, Koke, Suarez; Turan, Torres, Griezmann
So there we have it. As expected, Marc-Andre ter Stegen starts in goal for the home side in the only change from the league meeting with Deportivo at the weekend. Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano start at centre-back, while it is once again Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar in attack. Experienced midfielder Xavi, however, misses out on the XI despite his return to fitness.
Atletico, meanwhile, also start with their second-choice goalkeeper, with Jan Oblak replacing Miguel Moya. Miranda starts at centre-back in place of Jose Gimenez, while there is a spot in midfield for Mario Suarez alongside Koke and the skipper Gabi. Fernando Torres, meanwhile, will lead the line for the visitors.
Atletico have fond memories of the Camp Nou after winning the La Liga title in this stadium last season, but they were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Barca in the league last weekend. It was just about as well as Barca have played for some time and for once, Atletico could not repel the threat of Messi & Co.
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That said, that defeat earlier this month was Atletico's only loss in their last seven matches with Barcelona. The Catalan outfit remained unbeaten in six clashes across three separate competitions last season. Barca won the Spanish Super Cup at the start of the 2013-14 campaign on away goals, but Atletico eliminated Barca in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Barca have had their problems this season, but matters appear to be turning. The Catalan outfit have won their last four matches in all competitions – scoring 16 times in the process – since losing to Real Sociedad in their first match after the winter break. Messi, Suarez and Neymar have all started to pitch in with goals, meanwhile, which is a scary thought for their rivals in both Spain and indeed abroad.
Barca have a rich history in the Copa del Rey having won the competition on 26 occasions, but they have not lifted the trophy since 2012. They reached the final last season, but were beaten by Real Madrid. Atletico, meanwhile, have won the competition 10 times, the last of which was in 2013.
In terms of both sides' progression to this stage of the competition, Barcelona have overcome Huesca and Elche to reach the quarter-finals. Atletico, meanwhile, overcame L'Hospitalet in their first cup match of this season, before beating Real Madrid last time out. Atletico have had it a little tougher thus far!
It would be fair to say that the Copa del Rey is third on the list of priorities for both of these sides this season, but it is still a chance to secure silverware. In truth, whoever progresses from this two-legged affair will be the favourites, but both Sevilla and Villarreal might have something to say about that.
In terms of the league, Barca's 4-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend moved Luis Enrique's side onto 44 points for the season, three ahead of Atletico, who sit third. As it stands, Barca are just one point off the leaders Real Madrid, but Los Blancos have a game in hand.
Defensively, Barca have also been extremely impressive this season. They have conceded the fewest number of goals in the league (nine). Incredibly, that is nine fewer than Atletico, who have conceded more times than Real Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal after 19 games of the season.
Atletico, meanwhile, will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Granada at the weekend. It was a fairly underwhelming performance from the capital side, but the three points has kept the club within touching distance of both Barca and Real Madrid in the league. That said, it would be fair to say that they are only the third-favourites at this stage. They do have some ground to make up.
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Saltan los jugadores al terreno de juego. ¡Tiempo de calentamiento! ¡Vamos! ¡Ya queda menos! #FCBAtleti #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/Czv5mxKlDz
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 21, 2015
Atletico have been 'getting over the line' rather than blowing teams away this season, but that was also their style for much of last season and we all know what happened there. They have already lost to both Real Sociedad and Villarreal in the league this season, but have shown in recent games against Real Madrid that they can certainly still compete with the best teams in European football.
Indeed, the next month or so could define Atletico's season. They face Rayo Vallecano in the league this weekend, before welcoming Barcelona for the second leg of this tie next week. They then travel to Eibar, before hosting Real Madrid on February 7. Next month is also the return of the Champions League, with Bayer Leverkusen lying in wait. Can Atletico make another European final this season?
A top-three finish in La Liga is also far from secure. Both Sevilla and Valencia are hanging onto the coat-tails of the champions and should Sevilla win their game in hand, which is against Real Madrid, then they would move above Atletico in the table. Last season's achievements count for nothing this term.
Barcelona, however, have a kinder run. The Catalan outfit return to Champions League action next month against Manchester City, but before that they face Elche, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Levante and Malaga in the league. I have a feeling that there will be a number of twists and turns along the way.
PREDICTION! This is a really, really difficult one to call. Both managers have selected strong teams this evening, but it is difficult to look past Barcelona on their own patch. I am expecting it to be very tight - as always - but I think that the home side will just come out on top with a 2-1 first-leg win.
Here we go then. Both players have joined us on the pitch for the first half. It is Barcelona versus Atletico once again. Let's hope for another cracking evening of football between two wonderful teams.
It must be said that there was a lot of love in the tunnel. Hugs and handshakes all round!
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening, with the second leg at the Vicente Calderon to come next week. It is the away side that get the action underway on this cold evening in Barcelona.
It must be said that there are a number of empty seats at the Camp Nou. It is a surprise that this game has been scheduled for 10pm local time, on what is a cold night. Atletico have made a bright start to the match, with Siqueira forcing the issue down the left. Early possession for the capital side.
Half-chance for Atleti as Koke collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is high and wide.
SAVE! It is wonderful from Messi as the Argentine combines with Rakitic before feeding Neymar, but the Brazilian's long-range attempt is just pushed wide of the post by Oblak.
Barca are very much on the front foot in the early moments of this match, which was also the case when the two sides met just 10 days ago in the league. Atletico are yet to settle in possession of the ball.
Messi has been very lively in the opening eight minutes, with the Argentine buzzing around the edge of the Atletico box. Barca are down the left moments later with Iniesta, before Messi collects once again, but the low cross, which comes from Alba, is intercepted by Oblak. All Barca pressure at the moment.
First offside of the match goes to Torres. No, I won't hear it!
Atletico just cannot keep the ball for a sustained period at the moment as Barca continue to close the space in the final third. Messi seriously looks in the mood as he pops up on the left this time.
Another half-chance for the home side as Messi collects a fizzed cross from Rakitic before firing towards goal, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. Atletico's struggles continue.
Another half-chance for Barca as Alba squeezes a pass into Neymar, but his low attempt is blocked bu Godin. Griezmann is down the other end moments later and manages to hold possession.
Juanfran is a shade fortunate not to pick up a yellow following a really late challenge on Mascherano, who had come cross to clear ahead of the Atletico right-back. The home supporters remain in good voice as Barca pass and probe down the other end, but Miranda clears his lines at the vital moment.
Barca have just slowed the pace in the last couple of minutes, which has allowed Atletico to take up a strong defensive shape. It is a game of tactics at the moment, which is really not a surprise.
No real chances for either side thus far, but Barca have looked the more likely, with Neymar bringing a smart save from Oblak and Messi firing over from close range. The referee is not too popular with the home supporters at the moment, meanwhile, as he turns down another free-kick claim from Neymar.
It is getting a little fiery as Suarez clashes with Neymar, which brings a reaction from the Brazilian and indeed the home supporters. No bookings, however, which is a surprise after 21 minutes.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Mario Suarez collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner, which is played short before eventually being cleared by Pique.
Atletico have just started to warm to their task in the last couple of minutes, with Siqueira highly advanced down the left. The away side have delivered a couple of dangerous crosses and they win another corner when Godin's effort is deflected wide of the post. Really good spell for the capital side.
Mario Suarez again scuffs one wide for the visitors, who are growing into the match.
Atletico win a free kick in a wide position as Rakitic brings Turan to the ground...
... the resulting free kick is delivered by Gabi, but Pique is on hand to clear with an excellent header. The ball does fall to Turan outside the box, but his effort was always straight into Ter Stegen's arms.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and the score is still goalless in this first leg. Atletico have had the better of the last 10 minutes, however, with Barca frustrated in the final third.
Another Barca attack comes to an end as Alba just over-runs the ball in the final third. Moments before, Torres had threatened to meet a through ball from Mario Suarez, but Ter Stegen was out to clear.
Half-chance for Torres as Koke leads a counter before finding the striker, but his effort is deflected wide of the post by Pique. Atletico are carrying a real threat on the counter at the moment.
Barca break down the other end with Messi, who drives into the box before clipping a cross towards the far post, but Godin is on hand to clear, almost out of the arms of his own goalkeeper.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Siqueira finds the head of Griezmann with an excellent cross, but the Frenchman just heads over the crossbar. Closest either side has come.
CHANCE! How are Barca not ahead? Stunning chance for the home side as Rakitic finds Suarez with a wonderful pass, but somehow the forward volleys over from barely five yards.
End-to-end football in the latter stages of this half, but we are still goalless.
Oh my word what a chance for Atletico. Torres leads a two-on-one counter in the away side's favour, but the striker cannot slip a pass into Griezmann, with Pique's heel just doing enough to stop the ball. Atletico are a threat on the counter when Barcelona lose possession in the final third that is for certain.
Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and Barcelona are still passing and probing in the final third. Tonight is game of patience for the home team there is no doubt about that.
Atletico's defensive organisation really is something. It is just wonderful to watch.
Barca again threaten as Neymar drives into the Atletico box before feeding a pass into Iniesta, but the midfielder was just standing in an offside position. We are almost at half time here.
BOOKING! Juanfran (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two sides level at 0-0. Barcelona have dominated the possession, but both teams have had their chances. Suarez fired Barca's best attempt over the crossbar from close range, while Griezmann has come closest for the visitors here.
STATS! As touched upon, Barca have dominated the possession with 67%, while they have had four attempts - just one of which has been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, hit the target with one of their seven attempts. There has been just the one booking, with Juanfran carded late in the first period.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Pedro, Rafinha and Xavi all in reserve. Atletico, meanwhile, also have a star-studded bench, which includes top scorer Mario Mandzukic, Raul Garcia, Saul Niguez and Raul Jimenez.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we see a goal at the Camp Nou? Let's hope so! Barca get the second 45 minutes of this Copa clash underway.
SUB! One change for Atletico at the break, with Mandzukic replacing Torres.
In truth, a 0-0 draw would not be the worst result for either side ahead of the second leg next week. However, I would be surprised if we did not see any goals in the second period here.
Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period, with both sides just attempting to find their feet. Barcelona have had most of the ball, but that is not a surprise. Their task is to break through this incredible Atletico defence, which has been extremely solid in the opening 50 minutes.
Messi embarks on another wonderful run before driving into the Atletico box, but the Argentine cannot find a teammate and Atletico scramble clear. When Messi runs like that there is no stopping him.
Suarez floats a dangerous cross towards Neymar, who challenges Juanfran at the far post, but the Brazilian is adjudged to have felled the Atletico defender. Still goalless with 52 minutes on the clock here.
Neymar again breaks for the home side before rolling a dangerous cross towards Rakitic, but Godin makes the block at the vital moment. Alves is down the right moments later, but again the danger is cleared. It is attack against defence at the moment, but the defence is coming out on top at this stage.
All bases covered for Atletico once more. I genuinely do not think that Mandzukic has touched the ball for Atletico since entering at the interval. The second period has been that one-sided thus far.
Atletico earn their first corner of the second period following good work from Turan, but the set piece, which is delivered by Koke, is played short and eventually cleared. Not great from the visitors.
Half-chance for the home side as Iniesta finds some space outside the box, but his effort is deflected into the arms of Oblak. There is a bit of afters between Suarez and Godin - two international teammates.
We are entering the stage of the match where Luis Enrique will be considering a change.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Atletico have managed to secure a spell of possession in the final third. As discussed earlier, a goalless draw would not be the worst result in the world for either side ahead of the second leg. It would still be up in the air.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Raul Garcia replaces Griezmann.
There is a break in proceedings as Alves receives some treatment following a facial injury.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and there is still no movement on the Barca bench, which is a real surprise. The home side force back-to-back corners, but Atletico deal with the danger.
We are still waiting for the first real chance of the second period, but the home side are turning the screw in the final third. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in this quarter-final first leg.
The home supporters are willing their side forward, but Atletico are so compact in defensive areas. Atletico have seemingly come for the 0-0 and at the moment, they are heading back to Madrid with just that.
Half-chance for the home side as Iniesta strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always into the arms of Oblak, who has had very little to worry about in the second period. Still all square.
More frustration as Suarez goes down just outside the box after clashing with Godin, but the referee is not interested. Suarez has had a poor evening and that sums it up. It was never, ever a free kick.
SUB! Barca make their first change as Xavi replaces Rakitic.
BOOKING! Suarez (Barca) is booked for dissent.
BOOKING! Mascherano (Barca) talks his way into the book as Barca's frustrations continue. The crowd are going mad and this is threatening to boil over. About time as well!
Atletico are really frustrating Barcelona and the reaction from the home side is just what Atletico would have wanted. Little under 10 minutes of this match remaining and the score still stands at 0-0.
Free kick Barca just outside the box as Siqueira brings Messi to the ground...
... Messi take the set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall.
PENALTY BARCA!
Barca are awarded a penalty as Juanfran chops Busquets to the ground inside the box.
BOOKING! Gabi (Atletico) is booked for dissent.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Atletico (Messi)
Oblak makes a stunning save to deny Messi from the spot, but the Argentine is first on the scene to convert from close range. Very harsh on the Atletico goalkeeper, who made a wonderful stop.
SUB! Barca make their second change as Bartra replaces Iniesta.
SUB! Atletico make their third change as Jimenez replaces Gabi.
CHANCE! Barca come close to scoring a second as Messi drives into the Atletico box before rolling a low cross towards Neymar, but Juanfran gets a vital toe on the ball.
We are into the first of three additional minutes at the Camp Nou.
BOOKING! Godin (Atletico) is booked for bringing Messi to the ground just outside the box. That rules the centre-back out of the second leg next week. Massive blow and it could get worse...
... Messi fires his set piece just high of the crossbar.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 1-0 winners on the night. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
