Spanish league leaders Barcelona showcased their resilience in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against fellow Spanish club Atletico, coming back from an early deficit thanks to a pair of second-half goals from striker Luis Suarez.
Barcelona lived up to their reputation once again, putting their recent El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid behind them, and delighting the Camp Nou with a strong second-half performance in a game that can only be described as a classic Champions League contest.
The hosts went down early to a Fernando Torres strike in the 25th minute, and the plot quickly thickened as he was sent off the pitch only four minutes later for his second bookable offense. Barcelona were unable to capitalize with the extra man until the 63rd minute, when Luis Suarez deflected Neymar’s strike into the back of the net, unleashing a roar of mighty proportions from a packed Camp Nou.
The Uruguayan struck a second time just twelve minutes later, this time heading a Dani Alves cross confidently into the back of the Atletico net. Despite numerous opportunities in the dwindling minutes, Barcelona were unable to add to their tally and lead by the slimmest of margins ahead of the return leg in Madrid. The 2-1 result marks the first time Atletico have lost on the road in the Champions League this season.
