Watch: Barcelona post motivational video ahead of must-win Atletico Madrid clash

Watch: Barcelona post motivational video ahead of must-win Atletico Madrid clash

Some nights define a season, and for Barcelona, this is one of them.

Heading into the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, the task is as clear as it is daunting.

After a 0-2 setback in the first leg at Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona must now produce something special at the Metropolitano Stadium.

To make matters worse, the absence of Pau Cubarsi,  following his red card, further complicates an already difficult mission.

Barcelona turn to belief

With pressure mounting, Barcelona are looking for motivation wherever they can find it.

In the build-up to the game, the club took to social media to send a strong message, a rallying cry aimed at both players and fans.

“Now is the time,” read the caption of the video.

While the current situation is far from ideal, Barcelona can draw confidence from their recent record against Atletico.

Hansi Flick’s side have already beaten Diego Simeone’s team three times this season, including two victories in La Liga and another in the Copa del Rey.

Those results prove that Barcelona have the tools to hurt Atletico, even a side known for its defensive discipline and tactical structure.

However, there is also a warning hidden in recent history.

Despite recording an impressive 3-0 win in one of their previous meetings, Barcelona still ended up being eliminated after a heavy first-leg defeat.

Hostile atmosphere adds to the challenge

If the task itself was not difficult enough, the setting makes it even more intense.

The Metropolitano is one of the most intimidating venues in Europe, especially on nights like these.

Barcelona will not be alone, as over 3,000 travelling supporters are expected to back the team, but they will be heavily outnumbered by more than 60,000 Atletico fans, creating a relentless atmosphere.

Tactically, the equation is simple but demanding, as Barcelona need goals. But just as importantly, they need control.

As a result, keeping a clean sheet could be the decisive factor. Against a team like Atletico, conceding even once significantly raises the level of difficulty.

While a comeback would still be possible, the margin for error would shrink dramatically.