Only twice Barcelona had failed to advance after winning the first leg in its previous 40 attempts in UEFA competitions. “We worked, knowing the situation, knowing what we can do”.
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Barca talisman Messi is now up to 452 minutes without a goal, with the barren run coming at just the wrong moment for his side, but Luis Enrique said it would be unfair to blame any one player for his team’s dramatic slump in form. “We depend on ourselves”.
“The players wanted to retain the trophy, the fans too, but today it was not to be”, Luis Enrique said.
Simeone succeeded by keeping in check Barcelona’s offensive trio, who didn’t threaten until late in the game, and even then couldn’t create many clear chances.
However, the European champions also had luck on their side to ensure the narrowest of first-leg leads as Fernando Torres was sent off for two rash challenges before half-time at the Camp Nou, after firing Atletico into an early lead.
Barca, meanwhile, were left to rue referee Nicola Rizzoli’s decision to give a free-kick on the edge of the box in injury time instead of a penalty when Gabi appeared to be inside the area as he was penalised for handball.
Messi’s ensuing free kick sailed over the crossbar in his team’s last chance.
“We’ve worked really hard defensively”.
“We are still close to reaching our goals”, Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said. We can only congratulate Atletico and wish them the best of luck.
Thomas Muller put the match to bed after the break, with his goal effectively ending home hopes of a maiden last-four appearance of the Champions League era.
Atletico Madrid are through to the Champions League semi-finals after beating holders Barcelona 2-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday.
And Suarez’s influence has turned the rivalry with Atletico on its head over the past two seasons as Barca have won the last seven meetings between the two.
Messi will need to get it together soon because Barca could be in trouble, because although they remain at the top of La Liga, there lead is down to just three points. Barcelona was winless in three consecutive league games, while Atletico won six of its last seven.
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Barcelona’s dreams were crushed in the Spanish capital while in the other tie, Bayern Munich defeated Benfica 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in Portugal. “But for Atletico Madrid to be among the four best in Europe is a big step – now we can do more”.
