The advantage lies with Barcelona after the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid as the Catalans emerged victorious at the Vicente Calderon. Luis Enrique's men surged to a two-goal advantage in the first half thanks to two moments of magic from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. Antoine Griezmann halved the deficit on the hour mark but the hosts could not find an equaliser.
The Catalans are now on course to lay their hands on a record 29th Copa Del Rey title. Let's take a look at the five talking points from the first leg between the Colchoneros and the Blaugrana:
#1 Luis Suarez loves to play against Atletico Madrid
Before Suarez, Barcelona had failed to get on the winning side against Diego Simeone's side on six occasions which resulted in the Catalans losing the La Liga crown on the last day of the campaign and bowing out of the Champions League in the 2013-14 season. However, since the Uruguayan joined forces with the Catalans, his side has lost just one of the 10 meetings against Atletico.
Suarez has scored seven goals against Atletico in nine appearances. And his goal last night was certainly the best of the lot as he covered half the length of the field and left both Madrid centre-backs in grasping thin air before calmly slotting home the ball behind Miguel Moya. This was 'El Pistolero's' 22nd goal of the season.
#2 Atletico Madrid's season close to being in tatters
The final season at Vicente Calderon had increased expectations from the Atletico supporters of going away from their beloved home ground with some special memories. However, looking at their league and domestic cup form, Atletico's season hangs by a thread on their Champions League campaign which returns next month. They are 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid and are currently fourth in the league table and securing Champions League football in the new stadium would be the prime aim for Simeone.
Copa Del Rey, meanwhile, was a good chance to salvage a faltering campaign but the Catalans proved too good on the night as Luis Enrique's side completely tore apart Atletico's defence in the first half. Simeone's substitutions brought Atletico back in the game in the second half but they now need a miracle at Camp Nou to reach the finals of a competition which the Colchoneros have never won in their illustrious history.
#3 Javier Mascherano plays a decisive role in his natural position
The Argentine has seldom played in his original defensive midfielder position since coming to Spain as Pep Guardiola transformed Mascherano into a centre back. But with Sergio Busquets out injured, Luis Enrique opted to play Mascherano in his former role against Atletico. After trying Andre Gomes and Ivan Rakitic in the defensive pivot position in the previous games, Enrique needed a stronger option than the duo who don't have the needed expertise to excel in this important position.
Mascherano was absolutely colossal for the Catalans as he controlled the tempo of the game, making important interceptions on the way. He shielded his backline well and did the dirty work which was needed. After playing as a centre back for the last few years, it was good to see the Argentine dominating the centre of the park.
#4 Antoine Griezmann seem to be already planning his move this summer
Manchester United and Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders to sign the talented Frenchman this summer which seems to be getting on the player's head. Although Griezmann scored the only goal for Atletico last night, he was disappointing overall as he seemed to lack his usual pace and creativity to trouble the Barcelona's defensive line.
Both Simeone and Griezmann had promised to stay with Atletico at least till 2018 but seeing their collapse in the current season, the Frenchman is said to be counting his days with the Colchoneros. Many English clubs are ready to pay his €100 million buyout clause which will see the Frenchman ply his trade in the Premier League next season.
#5 Just another day in the life of Lionel Messi
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner got on the scoresheet once again as Messi continued his rich vein of form. Last night Messi scored a piledriver for which Atletico's custodian, Miguel Moya had no answers. This was Messi's eighth goal from outside the box this season; double than any other player in Spain.
He also had a freekick miraculously saved in the final few moments of the game which would have completed a resounding victory over Atletico. Apart from Camp Nou, Vicente Calderon is the stadium where Lionel Messi has scored the most number of goals and he continued his prolific run of goals in this game as well.
