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28 March 2024

Messi goes missing as Barca crash out of Champions League

Published
By Football Correspondent and Agencies

When the dust has settled on Wednesday's shock Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid, one question that will be on the lips of many Barcelona fans is: where was Lionel Messi?

The Argentina forward and four-times World Player of the Year barely threatened the Atletico goal at the Calderon as Barca fell behind to Koke's fifth-minute volley and were unable to turn around the 2-1 aggregate scoreline.

Messi has so often shone on the biggest stage in club soccer but was again superbly marshalled by the Atletico players and has not scored a goal against the Madrid club in their last six meetings in all competitions.

Barca coach Gerardo Martino appeared to deploy his compatriot on the right of a three-man attack, away from his usual central position, with Cesc Fabregas roving in the middle and Neymar mainly on the left.

Messi skewed a shot high and wide in the third minute, missed with a header in the 13th and sent a low effort past the post in the 24th from Neymar's cross but faded out of the rest of the game and was unable to rescue Barca in the way he has done so many times before.

It was a strangely subdued performance and Spanish media reported the normally electric Messi had run only 6.8 kilometres during the game, only 1.5 kms more than Barca goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto.

"We wanted Messi to be in a position to take on defenders in a one-on-one from the right wing," Martino, who comes from Messi's home town of Rosario, told a news conference.

"He did not feature much in the game but he did have those two chances with the header and after great play from Neymar."

Barca's elimination means they failed in their bid for a record-extending seventh consecutive appearance in the last four of Europe's elite club competition.

However, after beating Atletico to claim the season-opening Spanish Super Cup, they still have a chance of two more titles this term.

They are a point behind Atletico in La Liga with six games left and play arch rivals Real Madrid in next Wednesday's King's Cup final in Valencia.

Martino conceded that Atletico had deserved to go through on Wednesday.

"In reality, the moments when we couldn't do what we had planned, what Barcelona normally does, are to do with the virtues of our opponent," he said.

"Their intensity, the way they defend, the number of players closing ranks near their penalty area.

"At times it is hard to find the depth. We tried in any way we could, including by making some changes, but obviously we couldn't do it."

ATLETICO REACH NEW HEIGHTS

Atletico Madrid hit new heights in their incredible season when Koke's goal secured a 2-1 aggregate success against Barcelona on Wednesday that put Atletico into the last four of Europe's elite club competition for the first time in 40 years.

The stunning 1-0 victory at an electric Calderon stadium followed last week's 1-1 draw in Barcelona in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg and denied Barca a record-extending seventh consecutive appearance in the last four.

A fired-up Atletico blew Barca away in the opening 20 minutes and after midfielder Koke volleyed in from close range in the fifth minute former Barca forward David Villa twice hit the crossbar.

"It was a very important goal because it got us through to the semi-finals," Koke told Spanish broadcaster Canal Plus.

"The work of the team across both legs has been spectacular

"We ran a huge amount, we played the two games in the way we wanted and I think we were the clear winners," he added.

"With these fans behind us it is very hard for us to lose a match here."

Barca showed more intensity and had their chances in the second half against an exhausted Atletico but the home side held out with inspirational coach Diego Simeone willing them on from his technical area.

"We had the game within our grasp," Barca midfielder Xavi said. "We had four or five very clear chances that normally we would put away.

"They made the most of those first 15 to 20 minutes when they played with a lot of intensity and scored the goal," Xavi told Canal Plus.

"I think after that we stepped up to the challenge and deserved at least a draw.

"I think we played two good games and had our chances in both legs but it slipped through our fingers," he added ruefully.

"We can only congratulate all the Atletico fans."

BARCA ROCKED

Barca seemed to be settling into their usual dominant rhythm in the opening minutes on a warm night in the Spanish capital but were rocked back when Adrian burst clear in the fifth minute in a typical Atletico counter-attack.

His initial shot cannoned off the crossbar and when the ball was crossed back into the middle he nodded it across goal for Koke to volley in at the far post.

Atletico had the bit between their teeth and Barca suddenly went to pieces as Villa was twice allowed space in the area and twice saw his shots come back off the frame of the goal.

The game settled down after the frantic opening 20 minutes and Barca had a good chance to equalise when Lionel Messi, who had earlier headed narrowly wide, missed the target after brilliant work from Neymar on the left.

Barca began the second half strongly and immediately had Atletico on the back foot.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved brilliantly at Neymar's feet in the 49th minute and Atletico somehow scrambled the ball away when it seemed easier for Xavi to score.

Xavi should have done better with a free header from a Daniel Alves cross on the hour, while five minutes later at the other end substitute Diego tested Jose Manuel Pinto with an angled strike.

Atletico captain Gabi had a chance to put the game beyond Barca when he raced clear in the 70th minute but Pinto was able to save his weak effort.

Atletico came close again two minutes later with another swift break and Neymar's diving header drifted just wide of the post 12 minutes from time.

 

FULL TIME

Atletico 1 (Koke 5") Barcaleno 0

Atletico Madrid stunned Barcelona 1-0 in their Champions League quarter-final match played at Vicente Calderon on Wednesday. Koke emerged the hero for Atletico who moved

into the semi-finals outmatching Barcelona right at the onset of the game. Atletico Madrid got off to a good start with  Koke heading a rebound in the 5th minute catching Pinto

Colorado off guard under the bar with a beautifully setup ball off Raúl García to stun the mighty Barcelona squad. Atletico attacked relentlessly with Villa missing the nets twice much

to the dismay of the Atletico fans. Barcelona pulled themselves together with Neymar and Messi coming close to restoring parity on more than two ocassions but the Atletico

defence proved too good to break. Atletico looked upbeat at the blow of the half time whistle with a slender 1-0 lead. Rodríguez failed to increase Atletico's lead in the second half

with Raúl García supporting him well in the midfield. Barcelona too had their opportunities with Messi and Neymar mising twice.  Referee Howard Webb booked Barcelona's

Mascherano, Busquets and Dani Alves while Atlético's Koke was the lone yellow card holder. Barcelona looked stunned at the end of game as Atletico squad rejoiced advancing to

the semi-finals.

 

90"+4 Alves is booked for dangerous tackle as frustration hits its peak in the Barcelona camp with Messi looking visibly dissapointed over the turn of events.

90 +1" Frustration creaps into the Barcelona as the clock races towards full time. Messi and Neymar plough hard but fail to get any result.

89" Rodríguez comes close to getting his name on the score sheet off a Raúl García assist but a brilliant save by Pinto gives Barcelona a fighting chance.

88" Atletico look the better team with the ball with real close scoring opportunities.

85" Atletico continue their strike with Koke, Diego and Gabi threatening to widen the lead. Barcelona look desperate to cancel off the goal with Messi the game changer in action.

81" Pinto  is tested well under the bar but Dani Alves keeps his eye fixed on Diego and Gabi and gives them no room.

79" Tiago and Rodríguez ploy move the ball from the midfield with Xavi and Neymar in close chase.

77" Tiago blocks Dani Alves but fails to hold on to the ball with Xavi slamming it hard to Alba who flicks the ball to Neymar who misses the mark by inches.

72" Barcelona are now under immense pressure with Diego and Raúl García proving a serious threat with the ball.

69"  Gabi misses to slam home the ball with only the keeper to beat as Xavi attempts to cut the ball in the box. 

68" Koke keeps a close watch on Neymar who loses the ball to the sprinting Gabi.

66" Atletico attempt to tame Messi with Koke bringing down Messi on the edge of the box. Ref awards a free kick which is taken by Messi.

63"Alba struggles to shake off Tiago but loses the ball to Diego who darts ahead to take a first time shot well saved by Pinto.

62" Atletico make a quick substitution getting in Diego to add sting to their attack.

59" Dani Alves lofts the ball for Xavi in front of the net who heads the ball but misses the net.

56" Villa beats Dani Alves and sprints ahead but Bartra intercepts well to move the ball up to Messi.

54" Adrián attempts to dodge Fábregas and Busquets and taps the ball for Villa but Xavi traps it well in the midfield.

51" Alba and Messi work around Koke, Godín and Filipe Luis but the wall proves strong to break at this point.

49" The momentum of the game swings up with Barcelona chasing every single ball with Messi and Neymar coming close to opening accounts.

47" Tiago darts ahead but Iniesta wins over the ball and pushes it for Neymar who slams the ball to Xavi with Messi in the box.

45" Barcelona working to a plan with Alba and Iniesta plotting moves on the right flank.

HALF TIME

Atletico 1 (Koke 5") Barcalona 0

45" Barcelona struggle to restore parity with Messi and Neymar tormenting the defence but the ref signals half time.

44" Barcelona surge ahead with Neymar once again dribbling past Godin and taps the ball to Messi but Gabi wins over the ball in the box.

43" Raúl García deflects the ball in the box as Fábregas corner kick soars close towards Messi.

40" Adrián is down in the box attempting to trap a Villa pass with Iniesta close on heels.

39" Barcelona regroup with Neymar, Alba and Xavi co-ordinating well in the midfield.

37" Dani Alves is brought down on the right flank by Koke but ref Howard Webb signals for freekick.

36" Villa dribbles on the edge with Neymar on his heels but loses the ball to Xavi who slams it to the midfield.

34" Xavi and Fábregas work around Tiago and Villa to tap the ball to Iniesta.

32" Neymar and Messi are plotting all the moves with Alba and Inesta suppoting them from the flanks.

28" Neymar looks for Inesta who dribbles past Tiago and Adrian but is blocked by Godin.

26" Neymar moves the ball to Inesta who makes a feeble attempt at the rivals net.

24" Raúl García is all over the midfield with Villa waiting to latch on but Pinto darts forward to collect the ball.

23" Miranda and Tiago dash with the ball but Neymar halts their progress to loft the ball to Messi.

19" Raúl García is down as Neymar attempts to dribble past Miranda but the ref signals to continue.

18" Adrián wins over a Xavi ball and makes a dash towards the Barca box but Busquets intercepts him with  a dangerous tackle and is booked.

15" The skies open up with the showers adding to the challenge at Vicente Calderon.

12" Barca look shell shocked with Alba labouring and finally lofts the ball to Messi in the box but Messi fails to nail it.

9" Gabi dribbles on the edge of the box with Iniesta on his tail. Villa gets a grip and shoots but misses the mark.

Atletico 1 (Koke 5") Barcelona 0

5" GOAL! Koke heads a rebound to stun Pinto Colorado under the bar beautifully setup by Raúl García.

3: Messi takes a first timer at the edge of the box with the ball swriling over the bar.

2" Barca on the offensive with Alba and Xavi on the ball.

1" Game kicks-off with Messi in the thick of action.

Both teams now head towards the midfield.

Atletico Emiliano Insua, Juanfran and Gabi are a booking away from a ban so are Barcelona's Aandres Iniesta and cesc. 

With the kick-off just 10 minutes away and the excitement around the stadium is overwhelming.

It remains to be seen if Villa will emerge the hero for Atletico playing against Barca his former club.

Teams warm-up on the ground atmosphere is spectacular at the moment.

Atletico are bidding for a first European Cup semi-final since 1974 and lots at stake in today's game. 

Atletico have hosted Barcelona 106 times before in all competitions with a record of 50 home wins, 33 Barcelona victories and 23 draws.

STARTING XI

Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Filipe Luis, Gabi, Miranda, Godín, Raúl García, Tiago, Villa , Adrián, Koke.

Subs: Aranzubia, Suárez, Rodríguez, Alderweireld, Insúa, Sosa, Diego.

Barcelona: Pinto Colorado, Dani Alves, Alba, Busquets, Bartra, Mascherano, Xavi, Fábregas, Messi, Neymar, Iniesta.

Subs: Montoya,Pedro, Sánchez, Song, Adriano, Sergi, Olazábal Paredes.

.TEAM NEWS

Atletico could be without Javier Manquillo, Arda Turan and Diego Costa.

Barcelona will be without Víctor Valdés, Jonathan dos Santos and Gerard Piqué through injury.

Raúl García may partner David Villa up front at the expense of Diego.

Marc Bartra is expected to partner Javier Mascherano at centre-back, despite Carles Puyol's return to fitness.

Cristian Rodríguez may come in on the right wing.

Cesc Fábregas and Neymar might come in for Alexis Sánchez and Pedro in attack.

PROBABLE FORMATIONS

Atletico Madrid:4-4-2

Barcelona:4-3-3

STAT ATTACK

Atletico have drawn their last 4 matches against Barcelona in all competitions.

Barcelona are undefeated in their last 10 matches against Atletico in all competitions.

Atletico are undefeated in their last 9 matches in the Champions League

Atletico have been drawing at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches against Barcelona in all competitions.

PREVIEW

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino believes his side need to score first if they are to overcome Atletico Madrid at a fifth time of asking in the second leg of their Champions League

quarter-final on Wednesday.

La Liga's top two sides have drawn in all four previous meetings this season, including a 1-1 tie in last week's first leg at the Camp Nou.

Atletico's defence has limited Barca's creative players in all four games and Martino believes forcing Diego Simeone's men to take the initiative will be key to progress to the semi-

finals.

"Both teams know each other very well. I think both have played at a very high level in different styles, but what hasn't happened is that Barcelona have gone in front," he said at his

pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"That is very important and even more so in this case. We will try to score first and that will allow us to manage the game in a different way."

Barca's only two goals in the four games against Atletico have come from Brazilian forward Neymar as four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has struggled to make an

impression.

However, Martino insisted that, despite his stellar record, Messi offers Barca much more than just goals.

"Leo is so used to scoring in every game that when he goes four games without scoring against the same opposition it creates attention, but he is a decisive player for Barcelona in

much more than scoring goals.

"We know that if we have Leo in top form we have a much better chance of making the semis."

Cesc Fabregas is once again expected to start in a four-man midfield alongside Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta in support of Messi and Neymar.

And the former Arsenal captain believes Barca have to stick to their principles and keep possession to overcome Atletico's resistance.

"It is true that they have a very defined style, they are very good at neutralising you, but they are also very good on the counter-attack so we want to have the ball even more and be a

bit more cautious in our passes.

"I think we have the technique and players capable of turning the tie around, 90 minutes is a lot of time. We must be brave, attack, be solid and play the Barcelona way."

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes and defender Gerard Pique remain Barcelona's two key absentees through injury so Jose Manuel Pinto and Marc Bartra will continue to deputise in goal

and at the heart of the defence respectively.

Atletico are one point clear of Barca in La Liga after last weekend's games where Barca, with Messi among the scorers, beat Real Betis 3-1 and Atletico downed Villarreal 1-0 for

their sixth straight league win.