Luis Suarez is a fireball whose shooting is ice cool

Barcelona 2 Atletico Madrid 1

First four minutes, Barca, pinned in their own half, looked somewhat frozen & apprehensive.

Then, for a minute, they moved upfield together and swarmed into the front third and held Atletico there.

Diego Simeone had started at the Nou Camp with one up : Griezmann.

Suddenly midfielder Saul wrestled past Jordi Alba and crossed to the near post. The ball beat the waving boot of Griezmann and bounced neatly for the unmarked Koke to make it it 0-1 from 14 yards.

A good early goal in 10 minutes. Also, I’d say, a tactical goal.

CAN’T REALLY EXPLAIN MY REACTION : “I still think Barca will win.”

But they weren’t looking great and by 22, I’d begun to think: Barcelona have a lot to lose here.

Rakitic was sent flying on the 25-yard line but sprang back to his feet, still with the ball, still looking to smash in the equaliser.

But the ref had blown for a free-kick to Barca, which Messi fired over the wall but wide.

When Messi went on a slalom, the ball sharply rebounded to him, he passed to Suarez, Oblak saved.

After 30 there was a slick move on the left: Neymar found Jordi Alba wide and Messi slotted his cutback inside the near post for 1-1

This was Messi’s 20th game against Atletico Madrid and his 21st goal against them.

In 37m Griezmann found a bit of space, turned and fired a shot over the bar.

Dani Alves had been having a dodgy game but now, after 39, he lofted a sublime pass forward into the run of Luis Suarez and as the ball bounced alongside him Suarez held off Gimenez and stroked it low past Oblak for 2-1.

What a competitor!

Suarez has a razor-sharp awareness of angles, the nerve of a bullfighter, and the reflexes of a fighter pilot. He’s a fireball but his shooting is ice cool.

Wow! Fascinating contest, really my kind of game. But then left back Felipe Luis went for a dropping ball and rammed his studs into Messi’s thigh.

THE LEFT BACK SENT HIMSELF OFF! I knew it was over.

Nobody can play Barca with 10 men, so I lost interest, didn’t watch the second half.

Latert found out Godin was sent off, so it was 9 v 11.

But no more goals.

Not like me to watch half a game but my interest just…..evaporated.

When Felipe Luis lost it, I lost it.