Javier Mascherano says that Barcelona are feeling confident

Javier Mascherano says that Barcelona are feeling confident about their hopes of reaching the Champions League semi-final.

The club secured a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg at the Camp Nou. However, there have been several warning signs about the club’s poor form in recent weeks. Following the recent loss in the El Clasico to Real Madrid, Barcelona could have easily lost this game had it not been for the referee sending-off Fernando Torres with 30 minutes left in the game. Hence, there is a feeling that Atletico may give a much tougher competition especially since the second leg is at the Vicente Calderon.

There has been a lot of fears surrounding Barcelona’s form in recent weeks. The club has surrendered a huge 10 point advantage, which has been reduced to three points. Further, there will be a mental block in the minds of several Barcelona players after it was Atletico Madrid that prevented them from being the first team to win the Champions League in successive campaigns. There is a danger of history repeating itself especially because of the away goal scored by Atletico. Barcelona, though, will remain confident in their ability to find the back of the net. Lionel Messi’s goal drought, which is now to 3 matches, will be the biggest issue.

"The squad remains as confident as before. We are in a favorable situation: we can win all titles, we are still La Liga leaders, and we hold the advantage in our Champions League knockout. Throughout a long season you can have a bad match or an unexpected result here or there, but that doesn't change our plans. In order to win all titles we have to win the remaining matches and stick to our goals. There is no need to change anything. Everything is in our hands,” said Mascherano.