Atletico Madrid captain fires warning to Barcelona: ‘Will treat the match like a final’

Atletico Madrid captain fires warning to Barcelona: ‘Will treat the match like a final’

Atletico Madrid captain Koke has sent a clear message to Barcelona ahead of their decisive UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Atletico head into the clash with a strong advantage after securing a 2-0 win in the first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou, a match that was heavily influenced by the early red card shown to Pau Cubarsi.

Now, with the return leg at the Metropolitano, the Madrid side are in control, but not complacent.

Speaking ahead of the game, Koke underlined the magnitude of the occasion and what it means for the club:

“Reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and having the chance to go through to the semi-finals is incredible.

“We will treat it like a final, and we’re not thinking about the Cup final,” he said.

Barcelona’s comeback hopes

Despite Barcelona’s belief in a comeback, Koke made it clear that Atletico are fully focused and motivated to finish the job.

“It’s only natural that they’re hopeful. But my teammates are motivated; they respect the opposition, but they’re determined to win the match.”

The midfielder also reflected on past encounters, drawing motivation from previous decisive moments against Barcelona.

It must be noted that Koke scored a decisive goal in the 2013/14 Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona that knocked the Blaugrana out of the competition that season.

Koke has sent a warning to Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Remembering that goal, he added, “I’ve watched the goal a few times.

“It’s true that when these matches come around, you try to motivate yourself with positive memories from previous encounters, like in 2014 and 2016.

“I remember the goal and I remember the atmosphere at the Calderón. Hopefully, it will be a wonderful night for everyone.”

Barcelona’s strengths

Koke did not shy away from acknowledging Barcelona’s strengths, particularly their aggressive pressing style, which caused problems in the first leg:

“They press very high up the pitch, almost in the middle of the field, which suffocates you.

“That’s why it’s so important for us to show character, to push forward and make decisive runs.

“We’ve faced each other many times this year; we know each other inside out. It’ll be important to win the ball back from them,” he concluded.

Source: AS