Preview: Gerardo Martino to make justice to 'favourites' tag
Martino's career at Barcelona could not have started any better than it did. A 7-0 victory over Levante had Barcelona fans happy, and despite the astonshing result, Barcelona's style of play looked similar to the style they played under Pep Guardiola.
Their match on Wednesday night will be a tougher task for the Catalans, but the Martino is aware that his side has pressure on them for being the favorites going into the match.
"It's difficult for Barcelona not to assume the role of favorite, that's how it is in every competition," Martino told the Associated Press.
"But accepting that doesn't mean you will prove on the pitch that you are the favorites, and we will demand a lot more from ourselves. In the league you get a lot more chances than a competition like this one, where you need just one good or bad night."
Obviously Barcelona comes into the match as favorites, but Simeone's Atletico side has proven time and time again that they are no pushovers.
Their 1-3 victory away to Sevilla will have the squad full of confidence to take on the likes of Neymar, Messi and Xavi. Will they be able to contain them?
"They have Messi, the best player around, and in Neymar, they've bought a player who could become the best player in the world, as well as having Xavi, Pedro and Alexis," Simeone told reporters. "They have a lot of important players and it is no surprise that they are favorites. But we will fight them with all our might."
Los Colchoneros defeatd Real Madrid last season in the Copa del Rey final, earning them a spot in the two leg affair with Barcelona. With that victory, along with a fantastic third place finish in La Liga last season, Simeone's side has really made a name for themselves in Spain.
Putting together their best domestic performance since the 1995-96 season, Atletico Madrid looks poised to build on what they have accomplished under the Argentine manager.
With David Villa looking to impress in his first match against his former side, and Diego Costa having his contract renewal completed and behind him, this partnership can really cause problems for a Barcelona back four that has shown signs of weakness.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels
Watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona live on Wednesday, August 21, 2013:
In Canada at 17:00 ET on: GolTV Canada
In the UK at 22:00 BST on: Sky Go, Sky Sports 4/HD, Sky Sports 1 Ireland
In the USA at 17:00 ET on: ESPN2, Watch ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TV3 Catalunya
This highly anticipated match will be broadcast around the globe, so be sure to check the TV schedule for your viewing area. You can also stay up to date with the live scores on the LiveSoccerTV main page.
