If we point out some of biggest European clubs, Spanish sides have always been a rocking force among soccer fans, in fact, they always draw the biggest crowd among their neighbors and that is why whenever any of the top Spanish sides are in front of each other, it becomes a prestige issue for both the sides. Championship league is unarguably a biggest tourney containing European giants and Spanish top always play an important role over here. Barcelona need no introduction and so as Atlético Madrid and when these two would again be in front of each other in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, everyone is curious to know how Messi and other Barca stars will perform in the upcoming high profile showdown which could be the last one before semis. Even, Coach Gerardo Martino is relaying on his star player who has been a proven teammate for them with many significant feats to his name. As far Blaugrana chances are concerned, they would have to win this match to qualify for the semis as they have already leveled the last week’s derby by 1-1 at Camp Nou. On the other hand, Atletico is also not taking this match lightly and gearing to face the pace of Barca’s world class army of strikers.
Though, Gerardo Martino side score high on paper than Diego Simeone side, but this team is capable to stun anyone anytime. Talking about Messi and how his form matters for his side, 51-year-old Argentine manager said, “It is clear that Leo is used to scoring in almost every game. So when he does not score for some games against someone it calls your attention. We want him to be decisive, and he can do that in many ways, not just by scoring goals. All opponents are very careful to try and minimise his participation in the game. If he is at his best tomorrow we have a better chance to progress.”
Since, both the sides are well aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, none of them can afford to take anyone lightly. Even Martino understands this and that is why he said, “Both teams know each other really well. Each has their own very different and very marked style. Barcelona have not yet been ahead on the scoreboard. That is normally very important, and even more given the circumstances of this game. So we are aiming to score first and then manage the game in a different way.
“Tata’ said he wanted his team to play as they had in the last half hour of the first leg, when cracks started to appear in what had previously been a pretty tight Atletico back-line.”