Barcelona’s 39-match unbeaten run may have ended with Saturday’s home defeat by Real Madrid but the European champions are adamant it was a temporary blip on their road to more glory.
Atletico Madrid will have taken real heart from their neighbours’ 2-1 victory at the Nou Camp as they go to the same venue in today’s quarter-final, first leg believing they can repeat their triumph over Barca at the same stage in 2014.
Yet, as the shockwaves reverberated through the European game after Barcelona’s late setback against 10-man Real, Barca captain Andres Iniesta said: “This game won’t affect our mentality.
“Everyone is hurting after losing but we have to analyse what we did wrong so we don’t repeat the mistakes.”
Though Barcelona are six points clear of nearest pursuers Atletico at the top of La Liga, the attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez lacked sharpness against Real Madrid.
It may have been a consequence of long journeys back from South America after representing their countries in World Cup qualifiers last week but Iniesta did not use that as an excuse.
Barca defender Gerard Pique, hoping to be part of the first team to achieve a domestic league and Cup and European Cup treble in consecutive years, added: “We have to move on, it’s a defeat but we are still alive in all competitions.
“Now we have to make sure we don’t fall into a slump.”
Atletico, who gave themselves an ideal send-off for the trip to Barca by thrashing Real Betis 5-1, are in confident mood even if recent history points to a Barca win.
The Catalans’ coach Luis Enrique has a perfect record against his Atletico counterpart Diego Simeone, having won all six of his games against the side from the capital.
Yet, Barcelona know exactly what a formidable opponent the Argentine Simeone remains as he masterminded their exit two years ago, winning the quarter-final tie 2-1 on aggregate after securing a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Nou Camp.
Atletico’s Juanfran said this time, with his side enjoying the advantage of playing at home in the second leg, the primary aim was to stay in the tie.
“We’re going there feeling very strong and our aim is to play well over there,” the defender said.
“It’s all about coming back from the Nou Camp with the game still alive so we can try and win the tie at our place.”
Simeone, naturally still hoping to leave the Nou Camp with a crucial away goal, told a news conference he would reward Fernando Torres for his excellent run of five goals in seven league matches by starting the 32-year-old today.
Torres has a fine record against Barcelona, having scored 10 goals against them in 14 games for Atletico and Chelsea.
Quarter-finals – first legs
Playing Today – 20.45
Bayern Munich (Germany) vs Benfica (Portugal)
Barcelona (Spain) vs Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Second legs: April 13.
Tomorrow – 20.45
Paris SG (France) vs Manchester City (England)
Wolfsburg (Germany) vs Real Madrid (Spain)
Second legs: April 12.