In a rematch of their league encounter only 11 days prior, the two heavyweights of La Liga face each other in a quarterfinal 1st leg at the Camp Nou. The match had Barcelona trying to keep possession as Atletico went ultra defensive for a majority of the match than their usual ultra attacking style player under Diego Simeone.
In the first half, it was overall a tight game between both sides as Luis Suarez had perhaps the best chance of the game in the 36th minute with a chance in the first half with a chance to finish only for it to go soaring over the bar. Atletico's first shot on target came in the 27th minute, as Arda Turan drove a low effort straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who saved it easily. The visitors also had a chance in the 35th minute, as Guilherme Siqueira picked out Antoine Griezmann with a cross, but the Frenchman headed it over the bar.
Atletico had their last chance of the half after striker Fernando Torres gets lucky as the ball bounces off the heel of Javier Mascherano which sets the striker running only for through ball that was to an open Antoine Griezmann is blocked again by Pique.
The game's same pattern resumed after half-time, Barcelona holding the majority of possession while Atletico provided amazing defensive resistance. Andres Iniesta had a shot blocked in the 60th minute following a cutback by Neymar. The captain tried his luck again 14 minutes later only for his low drive to be saved comfortably in the hands of goalkeeper Oblak.
However things changed in the 83rd minute. Barcelona continued to press and got their reward when Juanfran clumsily hacked Sergio Busquets down in the box after a Lionel Messi freekick had hit the wall giving the home side a penalty. Oblak managed to save Messi's spot-kick, but the Argentine followed up and slotted in the rebound himself for the winner of the first leg.
The news got worse for Atletico who had key defender Diego Godin booked in the final minute, meaning he will be suspended for the next game which is a huge factor for the Colcheneros as Godin has been rock solid all season long for Atleti.
The match ended as followed and Barcelona got their result and will have to wait until next Wednesday to see if they can go through to the semifinals in Madrid. Barcelona travel to Elche on Saturday for their league match before that encounter while Atletico host Rayo Vallecano on the same date.