If we look at the current Champions League’s quarterfinal lineup, almost every side is eager to score an edge in the first leg game itself and if they miss, they express their serious confidence to cover it in the second leg. Last night’s Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona first leg quarterfinal at Camp Nou was one such game where though Barcelona delivered brilliantly but Atletico Madrid as well did not disappoint and matched the defenders almost in every department, however, they missed a few opportunities that cost them the game eventually. Moreover, bigger disappointment for them was ousted of star forward Fernando Torres who was found going through back of Sergio Busquets on the halfway line and referee Felix Brych booked him for his second Yellow Card and sent him out. Visitors were now a ten-men squad and did everything they could to defend their early one goal lead but Luis Suarez made their joy short-lived when he netted two brilliant goals in the second half to take his side on the top.
Fernando Torres who scored the first goal of the night – in the 25th minute – was very upset to be ousted in such a way while his services were more required by his side. Talking about the game and what went wrong for them in front of thousands of live spectators, 32-year-old Spanish said, “It was a complicated day. If not the worst day, probably among the worst in my career. I am sad to have left the team with 10. In a way I feel responsible for the team not winning. I am certain that with 11 it would have been totally different. But I am proud to play in this team. The result is not all bad. At the Calderon, anything is possible.”
His colleague – defender Filipe Luis – had the views that Torres should have not been sent off, he said, “It could have been worse but a lot better too. It was a totally unfair red card, his second foul and his second yellow. We knew that was going to happen, Barcelona in the Champions League. We have to play against everybody and everything. The manager said we needed an epic game to win. Now it will be difficult but we are still alive.
“It is not easy to play against Barcelona in the Champions League. We know it is really dangerous if they go out in the quarterfinals.”