FC Barcelona is one step closer to achieving their goal of winning the Treble after defeating Atletico Madrid in a 2-1 victory. Barcelona needed the win in order to increase their Champions League title hopes and they did it against one of the most difficult opponents in the competition. The second part to this game will be played on April 13.

Barcelona had much to prove after the Clasico loss to Real Madrid. Many saw a dominating “Barca” side during the Clasico who could have won the game but crumbled during the end of the match. Now they had to take the positives from the defeat and apply it into their upcoming game. The thing is, their upcoming game was against Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid is considered one of the best teams in the world. The work that their coach Diego Simeone has done is admirable. They are currently second in the Spanish league, six points behind Barcelona and one point on top of Real Madrid. One of the main reasons for their success is due to their incredible defense who have only conceded 15 goals. Much of that credit goes to Diego Godin who has been rock solid in defense this year.

The game was played in Barcelona, Spain and it was bound to be a very difficult one for Barcelona. During the first half they lacked creativity and things only got worse when they conceded early in the game through a goal by Fernando Torres. Atletico Madrid felt as if they had the win but things quickly fell apart when Fernando Torres went from “hero to zero” and got a red card in the game. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Atletico Madrid but Barcelona came with new life.

Barcelona came into the second half with attack after attack. They came at Atletico Madrid with everything they had. The sense that Barcelona would score grew higher and higher. Finally in the 63rd minute they got the equalising goal by Luis Suarez. Barcelona weren’t done there though. They continued to press and attack and in the 74th minute scored the game winner through a powerful header by Luis Suarez. The game ended with 2-1 victory for Barcelona and the thought of the treble seems to be becoming a real possibility.

In order to win the Treble, Barcelona has to win the League, the Cup, and the Champions League. Barcelona achieved this feat last year but doing it two times in a row would be the ultimate achievement. It is thought to be impossible, but if one team could do it, it has to be this Barcelona side. With their deadly trio of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar (MSN) all combining for more than 100 goals this season the future seems bright.  Barcelona must now focus on the second game against Atletico Madrid and hope to qualify to the semifinals in their road to the treble.