Despite doing everything right on the night, FC Barcelona could only secure a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg with Atletico Madrid, as Diego Ribas' golazo grabbed an important away goal for the visitors. Neymar levelled the scores with a well taken finish after a sublime assist from Andres Iniesta, but Barcelona now must travel to the Spanish capital in a week's time knowing that they have to secure a result at the Vicente Calderón.
The good news? Diego Costa will miss next week's match through injury, and Barcelona have previous. Not only were they the better team last night, but this season they have travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu and the Etihad Arena, twice emerging victorious against Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively. A repeat performance would book the Blaugrana's place in the final four; but anything less and Barça run the risk of elimination. A goalless draw would send Atleti into the next round. A 1-1 draw would only force extra-time. Of course, any home victory would spell elimination as well.
Fortunately, Barcelona's schedule appears a little more favourable. A home encounter with struggling Real Betis should be far more straightforward than Atleti's clash with Villarreal -- maybe this could be a blessing in disguise? Atletico must try to manage their almost crippling squad depth issues and compete on both fronts. Perhaps in a week's time we will be celebrating the La Liga lead and a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals? Only time will tell...