The first leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid took place at the Camp Nou this evening.
Both sides had chances in an eventful first period, but neither could make the breakthrough.
Atletico led after 56 minutes when Diego struck one into the top corner from distance, but Barcelona were level after 71 minutes when Neymar found the back of the net from inside the box.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Champions League quarter-final coverage opens from the Camp Nou and it is a bit of a special one as Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid for the first leg. The Catalan outfit are by far the more experienced team at this level of competition, but Atletico are on the cusp of a historic season, with head coach Diego Simeone working wonders at the Vicente Calderon. Right, the team news is already in.
TEAM NEWS: No Alexis Sanchez or Pedro in the Barcelona XI this evening, with Gerardo Martino selecting Neymar and Andres Iniesta alongside Lionel Messi. Jose Pinto, meanwhile, starts in goal. Diego Costa is fit for Atletico despite missing training on Monday and the Spanish international will start alongside David Villa and Arda Turan in a front three. Full teams to follow at the Camp Nou.
TEAMS:
BARCA: Pinto: Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Cesc; Neymar, Messi, Iniesta
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Turan, Costa, Villa
Overall, Barcelona have hosted Atletico 105 times in all competitions. The home side have won 60 of those particular matches, drawing 26 and losing 19 times. In terms of recent meetings, the pair have clashed three times across two separate competitions this season, with the shares spoiled on each occasion.
The last time the two sides met at the Camp Nou was in a league fixture last season, when Barcelona were 4-1 winners on their way to claiming the league title. However, the last meeting between the pair occurred at the Calderon in January, with the points shared in a 0-0 draw. Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico earlier in the season, but both legs of the clash were drawn.
Atletico have not won at the Camp Nou since February 2006, however, when a certain Fernando Torres netted a brace. What's more, Barcelona have not lost a single match in the quarter-finals of the Champions League since April 2003, winning eight and drawing six times since - a quite stunning record at this level.
As mentioned, Barcelona are eyeing a seventh successive Champions League semi-final appearance. The four-time winners were knocked out in the semi-finals of the competition last season by eventual winners Bayern Munich, but will be hoping to go one better this time around. Little over 40 minutes until kickoff at the Camp Nou!
In UEFA competition, Barcelona's record against Spanish rivals is won four and lost five from nine two-legged ties. However, on the two previous occasions that the Catalan outfit have beaten a compatriot in the European Cup, they have gone on to reach the final. That occurred in the 1960/61 campaign and most recently in 2011, when they beat Manchester United at Wembley in the final.
Barcelona have also lost just one of their last 26 European home matches, with that defeat occurring against Bayern Munich last season. A certain Lionel Messi is chasing history this evening, meanwhile, with the Argentine just four goals short of former Real Madrid striker Raul's Champions League record of 71 goals. As it stands Messi has 67 goals in 84 European matches. Just incredible.
In the group stages this season, Barcelona topped Group H ahead of AC Milan having won four of their six matches, scoring 16 times in the process and losing five. It was far from convincing, but the La Liga champions were the most prolific home side in the group stages, scoring 13 times in their three wins.
The Spanish champions were drawn against Manchester City in the last-16 stage and advanced 4-1 on aggregate. The first leg in Manchester ended in a 2-0 away win, before Barcelona won 2-1 on their own patch following a late strike from Dani Alves. It was a dominant two-legged display from Gerardo Martino's side.
Barcelona currently trail Atletico in La Liga, however. As it stands, Martino's side have collected 75 points from their 31 matches, with that total leaving them in second spot in the table, one behind leaders Atletico with just seven games remaining. It really is a fascinating battle at the top of the Spanish league, with Real Madrid also still very much in the mix in third position.
Atletico, meanwhile, won Group G with 16 points having won five of their six matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. They scored 15 times in the process and conceded just three, which was the joint-best defensive record in the group stages alongside Chelsea and Manchester United.
Diego Simeone's side were drawn against AC Milan in the last-16 stage and breezed into the last eight with a 5-1 aggregate win. However, Atletico have not reached the semi-finals of the European Cup since 1974. Overall, the capital outfit's record at this stage of the competition is three wins and two defeats from five appearances.
Atletico are also just one of two teams – the other being Real Madrid – that are still unbeaten in the competition this season. The Spanish outfit also have a strong UEFA competition record against fellow La Liga sides – beating Athletic Bilbao and Valencia in recent Europa League ties, which is a competition that they have won twice in the last four years. However, the Champions League is a different matter entirely.
What's more, Simeone's side have conceded just four times in their eight Champions League fixtures this season, which is the-joint best record in the competition alongside Chelsea. Like Barcelona, Atletico also have a striker in stunning form with Diego Costa netting 33 times in all competitions this season, including seven times in five games in the Champions League.
Simeone told reporters at a pre-match press conference: "We are enjoying the situation day by day, minute by minute, training session by training session and game by game. That is how we feel strong and we will continue like that because we don't want to get away from that line of thinking."
It must be said that the pitch is in sensational condition this evening. Perfect for a game of football...
PREDICTION: Each of the last three matches between the two teams have finished level and I expect that record to continue this evening. Both enter the match in wonderful form and I am finding it difficult to make a case for either side losing. My score prediction is 1-1 on this mild evening in Barcelona.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. That wonderful Champions League tune erupts around this stadium, which, as expected, is packed. It is a special evening at the Camp Nou. Let's hope that the fixture matches up to the pre-game billing. Kickoff is just minutes away.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. There are two proper football teams on the pitch this evening that is for certain. Can Atletico secure a positive result ahead of the second leg at the Calderon next week? The away side get the first 45 minutes underway in Barcelona.
Bright start from the away side as Turan drives down the right before delivering a cross into the box, but Pique is on hand to clear the danger. Atletico continue to press in the corner, but eventually the danger is cleared by Busquets. Strong intent from Atletico in the opening two minutes of this European tie.
Half-chance for Villa as the former Barcelona forward finds some space on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It was strong work from Luis in the build-up. Not too much from Barcelona thus far, but Xavi and Iniesta have started to enjoy possession in the Atletico half. It is like a chess match in the early exchanges as both sides attempt to settle at the Camp Nou.
First real sign of Messi as the Argentine picks up possession outside the Atletico box, but he cannot find the run of Neymar and Atletico have a goal kick. Villa's effort over the crossbar remains the only opportunity in the opening six minutes, but the intensity is extremely high. Both sides popping the ball around with intent in the final third.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Atletico as Turan picks up a poor clearance from Pinto before finding Villa, but his effort is just wide of the post. What a moment that would have been for the striker.
Barcelona have a free kick just outside the box as Messi is brought down by Gabi, who clipped the back of the Argentine. Messi stands over the set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall. Chances at either end with seven minutes on the clock. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be crucial this evening.
Possession football from the home side in the last couple of minutes, but the pressing from Atletico is forcing Barcelona back into their own half. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening as late challenges continue to occur in the middle of the park. Still goalless in Barca.
Appears to be a slight problem for Pique as the centre-back challenges Costa, but the Barcelona defender does return to his feet following a couple of moments on the ground. Whistles as Atletico pass and probe outside the Barcelona box, but the home side regain possession when Gabi's loose pass is cleared by Busquets.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Fabregas strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting corner is delivered by Iniesta, but Neymar cannot rise inside the box.
SUB: Big blow for Barcelona as Pique is forced to leave the field following that clash with Costa a couple of minutes ago. Marc Bartra is the replacement in central defence for the home side.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Barcelona have started to take control of the possession. Alves looks for the run of Alba inside the Atletico box, but Miranda allows Courtois to claim at the vital moment. Still goalless after 16 minutes of football at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for the away side as Costa combines with Villa inside the Barcelona box, but the danger is cleared by Bartra at the vital moment. Barcelona attempt to break moments later with Iniesta, but Tiago comes across to challenge the Spaniard, which brings a furious reaction from the home supporters. Plenty of altercations for the referee to deal with in the opening 18 minutes of action.
A regular pattern has emerged - Barcelona dominating the ball, with Atletico attempting to break when possible. In truth, that has been the case in each of the three matches that they have played this season. The referee continues to be called into action, however, and Koke is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
Barcelona continue to play the better football as they build from the back before Neymar picks up possession down the left, but his cross is cleared by Miranda. Iniesta puts pressure on the centre-back in the corner moments later, but Atletico manage to clear. It comes straight back, however, as Barcelona force the issue in the final third. Can Atletico catch Barcelona on the counter attack?
Half-chance for the home side as Neymar meets a cross from Xavi, but his header is straight into the arms of Courtois. The opening 25 minutes of this match have just flown past. It remains goalless, with the best chance of the evening falling to Villa inside five minutes, but his effort curled wide of the post.
CHANCE! Barcelona's best chance of the match falls to Iniesta following a through pass from Messi, but Godin is across to make a stunning challenge at the vital moment. Brilliant from the centre-back.
Not too much from Atletico in the last couple of minutes as Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball. Iniesta dances into the box moments later, but Godin is across to clear once more. Moments later, Costa holds his hamstring, which is not good news for the away side. That is a big worry.
Costa is back on the field! Diego appeared to be entering for Atletico, but the Spanish international has returned following a chat with Diego Simeone. What is happening now?
SUB: Atletico are forced into the change as Diego replaces Costa. Incredible blow for Atletico at this stage of proceedings. That will mean a change in shape for Atletico this evening.
Atletico just cannot get in the match at the moment as Barcelona continue to dominate the ball in the final third, but chances have been at a premium thus far. Both sides have been hit with injuries, however, with Pique leaving the field for the home team and Costa for Atletico. Still goalless at the Camp Nou.
Better from Atletico in the last couple of moments with Diego providing an option in the final third for Villa, who turns on the edge of the box, but Bartra is across to clear once more. Barcelona are down the other end with Neymar moments later, but Miranda clears the danger. Little over 10 minutes of the half to play in what has been a fascinating occasion at the Camp Nou.
Another free kick for Barcelona just outside the Atletico box as Iniesta is challenged by Turan, who has been forced to defend for long periods of the first half. The resulting set piece is taken by Xavi and met by Bartra, but it was always moving wide of the post as Atletico survive once more.
The free kick count continues to rise as Gabi is booked for a late challenge on Neymar, who has become more involved in the last 10 minutes or so. Once more Xavi delivers into the box, it falls for Alba, but his effort is wide of the post. One-way traffic, but clear chances have been at a premium in the first period.
Barcelona want a penalty as Neymar goes down inside the box under pressure from Godin, but the referee is not interested. The home side come once more through Alba, but Juanfran is across to clear once more. The first period has flown past at the Camp Nou and the score is still goalless in this Champions League tie.
Another half-chance for the home side as Messi meets a cross from Alves, but his header is straight into the arms of Courtois, who has been the busier of the two goalkeepers this evening. In tonight's other Champions League quarter-final - Manchester United are still level with Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
Booking for Turan as the Turkish international challenges Messi just inside the Barcelona half. That has been a common feature of the first 45 minutes at the Camp Nou. Still goalless in the latter stages of the half.
CHANCE! Neymar comes close for the home side with an effort from distance, but it moves just high of the crossbar. Atletico are just holding on at the moment as the pressure continues from Barca.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Atletico this time as Villa meets a through pass from Luis, but Pinto is down to make a fine save. We are into the third of four additional minutes at the Camp Nou.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. That does not tell the full story, however, with chances at either end. Villa had a wonderful opportunity for Atletico inside five minutes, but curled one just wide of the post. Iniesta has had Barcelona's clearest chance, but Godin was across to make a stunning challenge. It has been a pulsating first 45 minutes at the Camp Nou.
Tomorrow night the first legs of the other two quarter-finals take place and Sports Mole is lucky enough to have been invited to the Bernabeu for Real Madrid's tie against Borussia Dortmund. We'll be there with Heineken and Ruud van Nistelrooy for #ShareTheSofa, where you can have your question answered by the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man. Simply tweet us @SportsMole with your question and the hashtag #ShareTheSofa.
STATISTICS: Barcelona had 64% possession in the first period, while they had nine attempts - five of which were on target. Atletico, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their four attempts. It has been a half dominated by the home side in terms of possession, but Atletico have had their moments. Both sides have lost key personnel, however, with Pique and Costa leaving the field due to first-half injuries.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that tonight's other Champions League quarter-final is being contested by Manchester United and Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. Like the Camp Nou, there have been no goals thus far. Right, Barcelona get the second 45 minutes of action underway. Will the deadlock be broken? Stay with me to find out!
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Just a reminder that both managers have already been forced into a change, with Bartra replacing Pique for Barcelona and Diego replacing Costa for Atletico. One thing is for certain, both teams have more quality on the sidelines.
Strong start to the second period from the home side as they take control of the possession outside the Atletico half. Fabregas delivers towards Messi, but Godin is on hand to clear once more. Neymar dances into the area moments later, but the move comes to an end when the Brazilian fells Tiago. You just get the feeling that Atletico will need to do a lot more defending in the second 45 minutes at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Neymar finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from Atletico, however, as the home side continue to control proceedings. It is very much attack against defence at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for Atletico from a free kick, but Miranda moves into an offside position following a strike from Turan. Barcelona break down the other end with Fabregas, but Luis is across to clear. The match has just started to open up, but the referee continues to be called into action to deal with late challenges.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Atletico (Diego)
WOW! WOW! Incredible strike from Diego as the Atletico midfielder picks the ball up outside the box before firing one into the top corner. That is just stunning from the Brazilian!
Well that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium! Barcelona attempt to break once more with Alba, but the left-back just loses control at the vital moment before picking up a yellow card. Little over 30 minutes of this Champions League contest remaining and Atletico have the lead and a vital away goal.
Can Barcelona score? They always score. However, Atletico are one of the best defensive teams in world football. It is all one-way traffic in terms of possession, but Atletico continue to resist the danger. In tonight's other Champions League clash - Manchester United have taken the lead against Bayern Munich.
Fabregas has a clear sight of goal following a brilliant move down the right, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position when he tested Courtois from close range. Little over 25 minutes of this Champions League contest remaining. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening.
Barcelona want a penalty as Iniesta goes to ground inside the Atletico box, but the referee is not interested. Moments later, Busquets strikes one from outside the box, but Courtois is across to make the save. It is all happening with 66 minutes on the clock as both managers consider changes.
Atletico continue to stand firm as Barcelona dominate the ball in the final third. Alves strikes one from outside the box, but Godin is on hand to make the challenge. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, however, with Atletico still leading courtesy of that long-range strike from Diego.
SUB: Barcelona look to their bench for the second time this evening as Sanchez enters the field in place of Fabregas, who has struggled to influence proceedings. Little over 20 minutes remaining.
SUB: Atletico make their second change of the evening as Sosa replaces Villa, who had a wonderful chance in the opening five minutes this evening. Fresh legs in the latter stages for Atletico.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Atletico (Neymar)
Barcelona level! Sensational from Iniesta as the Spaniard slides a through pass to Neymar, who drives into the box before curling one into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the Brazilian international.
What a final 15 minutes we could have on our hands at the Camp Nou. The noise inside the stadium is just incredible as Barcelona dominate the ball. Neymar is involved once more, but this time his low effort is blocked by Juanfran as Atletico clear their lines at the vital moment.
Atletico just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Barcelona dominate the ball. Courtois is once more called into action to save from Iniesta, but the pressure continues as Atletico struggle to keep the ball. It seems a case of when and not if as the fixture enters its final 15 minutes at the Camp Nou.
SUB: Atletico make their second change as Turan, who has been brilliant this evening, is replaced by Rodriguez. Both sides have one change remaining this evening. As it stands, Atletico would be the favourites entering the second leg next week.
It is almost like a training exercise at the moment as Barcelona pass and probe in the final third, with Atletico dropping deeper and deeper. However, the capital outfit are used to playing this type of game. Just a reminder that all three previous meetings this season have ended in draws. I backed 1-1 in my pre-match prediction and that stands as Diego is booked for a late challenge on Fabregas.
Neymar gains another free kick for Barcelona outside the box after driving past Juanfran. The resulting set piece is taken by Xavi, but Godin is on hand to make the clearance. The pressure continues from a corner, but once more the danger is cleared. Is there to be late drama at the Camp Nou? It is delicately poised.
One-way traffic as Barcelona continue to dominate the ball in the final third. Without Costa, Atletico are finding it difficult to make the ball stick in forward areas. The crowd continues to respond to the pressure from Barcelona, but Atletico defend the situation once more. Little over five minutes remaining.
CLOSE! Messi comes close to handing Barcelona the lead from a curling free kick, but Courtois is across to make a stunning save. The Belgian comes to Atletico's rescue once more. Atletico just cannot get out of their own half, but they are almost there in terms of securing a draw.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona, but it is the same old story as Atletico continue to clear the danger. Miranda and Godin have both been sensational at the heart of the Atletico defence. I suspect that there could be a few minutes of injury time due to the number of free kicks that have occured in the second period.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Sanchez finds some space inside the box, but the Chilean stumbles and Luis is across to clear. We are into stoppage time at the Camp Nou of which there will be three minutes. As it stands, Atletico will be the favourites in the second leg.
Yellow card for Sosa as the Atletico midfielder fells Neymar just outside the box once more. Simeone issues his final instructions as Xavi stands over the set piece.
Xavi does indeed deliver into the box, but Godin is on hand to clear once more. Atletico ease the pressure after clearing down the pitch. That could be just about that.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Atletico holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the reaction. Until next time!
