Another familiar result for barca, atletico

Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino believes his side did everything in its power to break down a dogged Atletico Madrid as it was held 1-1 at Camp Nou in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Diego Ribas put Atletico in front with a spectacular goal 11 minutes into the second half, but Barcelona responded 19 minutes from time when Neymar swept home Andres Iniesta's brilliant through ball.

That goal ensured the sides drew for the fourth time in as many encounters this season, but Martino was happier with his side's display than in its previous meetings.

"Apart from the individual performances that we can talk about, the overall display of the team leaves me very calm," said the coach.

"Against possibly the best counter-attacking team in Spain, if not Europe, we gave up two chances in the first half and a goal from 30 meters.

"We created three or four good chances ourselves, which is a lot against this Atletico team. I love managing a team that always tries to play in this manner.

"When the team has played badly in the past I have said so, but tonight it is fair to say that the team played very well."

Both sides suffered injury blows.Barca's Gerard Pique will be sidelined for four weeks due to a hairline fracture in his right hip, while Atletico's top scorer, Diego Costa, looks set to miss the return leg due to a hamstring injury.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone, lauded the effort of his players as they desperately held on in the final 20 minutes after Neymar brought Barca level.

"I am very happy; the team worked as a group and showed enormous heart," said Simeone.

"I go through the same feelings and emotions as an Atletico fan and I know the fans can be immensely proud of the effort the team put in."

The Argentine refused to say his side now has the upper hand as it takes an away goal back to Vicente Calderon stadium for the return on April 9.

"I loved the game. There were two teams with very different styles playing in their own way to break the other. We know it will be an extremely tough game again, against a team with enormous talent.

"We have to recover well, play on Saturday and then prepare for the second leg on Wednesday."

- Agence France-Presse