adminDIEGO’S stunning away goal allowed Atletico Madrid to take a slender advantage into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final as they drew with Barcelona.
Atletico were on top until top scorer Diego Costa went off injured, but they recovered after the break as his replacement Diego scored from 30 yards.
Andres Iniesta’s defence-splitting pass then allowed Neymar to curl in.
Iniesta’s effort was saved as Barca chased a winner but Atletico held firm.
Diego Simeone’s side withstood late pressure as Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also stopped Lionel Messi’s free-kick by diving to his left.
But the visitors, who were making their first appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals since 1997, showed the defensive solidity that has taken them to the top of the Spanish league, a point ahead of their Catalan hosts.
The result was a fourth draw between the two sides this season, showing the slim difference between them as they chase a Spanish and European double.
With the Nou Camp stunned, Barca chased an equaliser and after Sergio Busquets had tested Courtois they finally broke Atletico’s resistance with a stunning pass from Iniesta. The Spanish midfielder’s diagonal through ball set up Neymar’s well-taken finish — BBC Sport
Online Reporter