Barcelona boss Luis Enrique said the quarter-final Copa del Rey tie against Atletico Madrid is still in the balance after Wednesday’s first leg.
The Catalans had a late Lionel Messi goal to thank for wrapping up a 1-0 victory, the Argentine putting in the rebound after Jan Oblak had saved his penalty, but Enrique is not taking anything for granted before next weeks’ return at the Vicente Calderon.
“I still see this tie as going either way, knowing what kind of opponent we’ll be facing, what type of Coach they have, and how they’ve done in recent seasons, so it’s 50/50,” he told a post-match Press conference.
“I’m happy with the outcome and we can face the second leg with optimism because we’ll be going there to win. Whatever the result at the Camp Nou that is what we’d have been doing anyway, although a draw would be good enough now.
“My team played at a very high level defensively but I was also pleased with our attacking players.”
Enrique sprung to the defence of Luis Suarez, who was not at his best against Diego Simeone’s men and missed a gilt-edged opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet.
“The fans have maximum confidence in the team and Suarez. He was unfortunate not to score but played very well.
“Luis gave us mobility and opened up space but he just lacked a little bit of luck, although I’m sure the goals will come soon,” he asserted.
