Enrique explains Suárez's Barcelona influence

• Luis Suárez strikes twice as Barcelona recover to beat ten-man Atlético Madrid 2-1
• Fernando Torres scores opener before being dismissed on 35 minutes
• Luis Enrique says Suárez is "half-Catalan" and adds that sending-off changed game
• Diego Simeone hails his team's spirit: "Any trees in the way, they try to jump over"
• Second leg in Madrid next Wednesday, with semi-final draw two days later

Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach
To play against Atlético, you have to be very precise and have good tempo, positioning and ball control. Maybe we didn't have that in the first half. Atlético created a very good chance in the first half and, combined with our mistake, it enabled them to score.

The sending-off changed the game. At half-time we tried to talk about controlling the pace and attacking Atlético as a team rather than individually. In the second half the fans enjoyed themselves, I think. We managed to keep Atlético close to their box.

I'm happy with the performanace and happy to win again. Some people, not in the team obviously, could perhaps have been scared [when we went 1-0 down] but these players have a lot of confidence. We are looking forward to playing at the Calderón.

Since I got here we have always thought one game at a time. We want to win at the Calderón and that's the only result that's good for us. With this attitude and these players we can go anywhere.

We thought we had lost Rafinha for the season [when he got injured at Roma in September] but the medical team here is top-class. It is marvellous we can count on him again. He can score goals, control the ball and play in tight spaces. Having him back was, apart from the win, the highlight of the night.

It was difficult for Suárez tonight, because he was always playing against two centre-backs. That is why it was important for our players on the wing to stay out wide. Suárez brings a work-rate and character to this team – not just goals. He has integrated himself in a special way. You could say he is half-Catalan

Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
I feel proud of my players and I'm happy to work with a team that give their lives in every game. They can come back from any situation. Any trees in the way, they try to jump over. They don't look for excuses.

Antoine Griezmann almost made it 2-0©AFP/Getty Images

We played really well until the sending-off. Of course Barcelona had lots of chances in the second half and they cornered us in our area. It was difficult to get out. My players are really strong. They want to keep defending this shirt.

We are alive. They had their chances and they could perhaps have scored more, but they didn't so that generates some expectations and gives hope to us and the fans who will come to the stadium next week.

We always feel strong. We will try to give everything and all the players will give their best. It is very difficult to reach the semi-finals, but we will give it our all. We will probably feel this extra effort from today on Saturday.

When I see the lads in the dressing room, they are all happy to play for this team. We need to find the best way to make the most of what we have done so far.