Watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid live stream free in Game 1 of the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, from Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain.
After the devastating loss against arch-rival Real Madrid this past Saturday, Barcelona will meet another La Liga opponent when they face-off against Atlético Madrid at home in Game 1 of the UCL quarterfinal. With barely time to catch their breath, Leo Messi and company will have to show what they’re made of in this crucial match.
Considering that Atlético is hot on Barca’s heels in the much coveted La Liga title, manager Luis Enrique has his hands full, because he recognizes Atlético is a much tougher rival than Real was at this time. Even though Real Madrid is 10 points away from first place in the standings, their dramatic victory could prove invigorating for a team that has dominated European football in recent years and could put a damper on Barcelona’s otherwise brilliant season.
Barça’s 39-game unbeaten run in all competitions – the best in Liga history – was ended by Madrid. #UCL #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/eYQClNtknV
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 3, 2016
But when you watch Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid live on Tuesday, you will see that Luis Enrique’s men are determined to get to the UCL Finals despite the set back in El Clasico, according to BBC Sport .
“We had almost forgotten what losing was. Our team has more than enough to keep being the same it has been.
“Atletico are very dangerous. It’s going to be very complicated for us. I have blind faith in my players and blind faith in the way Barca have been playing in order to win titles the last few years.
“That is the way we have to keep playing.”
Barca defender Gerard Pique agreed and stated Atlético is a tougher opponent than Los Blancos during a press conference Monday ahead of the UCL quarterfinal match, Sky Sports reported. However, this doesn’t mean Barcelona is intimidated by their opponent.
“They don’t scare us, but they are having a spectacular season. At the moment they are the second best team in Spain, as the league shows.”
Pique expects this game to be more difficult, as Atlético defends deep and is strong in the counter-attack. The veteran doesn’t think Saturday’s loss in El Clasico will be detrimental to his team’s performance, as Barcelona was on a 39-match winning streak prior to that loss.
Champions League preview: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid prediction. https://t.co/5OzMzxGquO #FCBAtleti pic.twitter.com/boM4wpsBo2
— Barca Chat UK (@BarcaUKFans) April 4, 2016
Fans who watch Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid live stream on Tuesday need to remember that it was Atlético who dashed Barca’s hopes of advancing to the UCL’s finals at the same stage of the competition two years ago. But, since Luis Enrique took charge early last season, Barcelona has won all six encounters against Diego Simeone’s men.
Simeone confirmed he will start Fernando Torres and Diego Godin on Tuesday at Camp Nou. However, La Albirroja has some serious problems with their very effective defense. Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez are doubtful, which means the pressure will be on the youngster, Lucas Hernandez, who will have to face one of the most fearsome lines of attack in all of football.
In theory, Barcelona’s offense led by Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Messi will be almost impossible to stop, and with some key men out, Atlético Madrid will have to use all the tools at their disposal to prevail. It should be an exciting match for fans.
Watch Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid live stream free on Tuesday, April 4 here from Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain. Kick-off is at 2:45 p.m. ET.
[Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images]