Atletico’s call to the fans: raise hell

DIEGO Simeone has called on the Atletico Madrid fans to contribute to a memorable night as they host Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal today.

The tie is level at 1-1 as Neymar’s equaliser cancelled out Diego’s incredible strike for Atletico to ensure there has still not been a winner in four meetings between the sides so far this season.

Simeone was seen imploring the crowd at the Vicente Calderon to raise the noise levels as Atletico held on for a 1-0 win at home to Villarreal on Saturday to maintain their place at the top of La Liga.

And the Argentine wants more of the same to help his side get over the line against four-time European champions Barca.

“The atmosphere was rocking and that gives you more energy and strength to compete. When people ask ‘why do we support Atleti,’ it is for this. We are passionate, humble, work hard and if we have to suffer, we suffer.”

Both Simeone and Barca

boss Gerardo Martino lamented how much the first leg had taken out of their respective squads as Barca also struggled to a 3-1 win over bottom side Real Betis on Saturday. Barcelona will also be affected by key injuries to Victor Valdes and Gerard Pique as they travel to the Spanish capital.

However, Marc Bartra – who will deputise for Pique at the heart of the Barca defence – believes they have already shown their ability to overcome injuries this season having lost Lionel Messi for two months earlier in the campaign.

“This group has shown it can overcome. We need to do that again,” he said. — AFP