Thursday 22 January 2015 17:25, UK
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is confident his team can qualify for the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, despite losing the first-leg 1-0 at Barcelona.
Atletico, who knocked out holders Real Madrid in the previous round, host Luis Enrique's side at the Vicente Calderon stadium in the return leg on January 28.
And though a late Lionel Messi strike has given the visitors the advantage, Simeone has backed his men to turn around the tie.
Speaking to the club's website, Simeone said: "The result is fair because they scored a goal and we didn't. I think we have possibilities of going through against a rival that plays well but in terms of the result, the tie is wide open.
"We expect a difficult return leg. But my players are accustomed to competing at this level. Fortunately, we have reached the final rounds of all the competitions.
“I am proud that we have the opportunity to be able to compete for titles. We need to play with the same enthusiasm and intensity that has distinguished us in recent years."
Atletico lost 3-1 at the Nou Camp in the league earlier this month but Simeone believes his side learned lessons from that defeat.
"This game was not the same as the one in the league," he added. "We came out better and defended very well.
"It's true that we didn't have that many scoring opportunities but we had the game under control. Barca have great depth with Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba but we tried to limit them and we succeeded in that respect."
Atletico won the Copa del Rey in the 2012-13 campaign and reached the last four of the competition last season before being knocked out by Real.
The current league champions are third in La Liga and host Rayo Vallecano in Saturday's league match.
