Barcelona dominated possession in the first period, but a strike from David Villa against his former club left the home side ahead at the interval.

The La Liga champions were level after 65 minutes, however, when substitute Neymar headed into the bottom corner from close range.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.

Match statistics:

Atletico Madrid:
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 25%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 20

Barcelona:
Shots: 8
On target: 4
Possession: 75%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

On the balance of play, a draw was just about a fair reflection of the events at the Vicente Calderon. It came as no surprise that Barcelona dominated the possession throughout the entirety of the match, but Atletico were decisive in the final third. The home side deservedly led at the interval following an all-action first period, but it is difficult to argue that Barcelona were not worth a leveller based on their second-half performance.

Atletico's performance

Diego Simeone will be delighted with his side's performance in the first leg. They produced a master-class of how to play Barcelona in the first period with constant pressing in the middle of the midfield. It came as no surprise when they tired in the latter stages, but they will be disappointed with the goal that they conceded. It will be tough in the second leg next week, but they are certainly capable of securing a positive result.

Barcelona's performance

Barcelona utterly dominating possession in every game that they play has become the norm and tonight was no exception as the La Liga champions enjoyed 75% of the possession. They struggled to find a way through the Atletico defence in the first period, but you always felt that they would have enough to score. When things were not going to plan, Gerardo Martino could look to his bench and introduce the likes of Neymar and Cesc Fabregas.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Arda Turan: We might not have seen too much from the Turkish international as an attacking threat, but he was just sensational at the other end this evening. The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Atletico this summer, but his commitment could not be questioned at the Vicente Calderon. His most impressive moment came in the early stages of the second period when he produced a sensational challenge to deny Fabregas slotting home from close range.

Biggest gaffe

Unfortunately this award goes to Atletico defender Juanfran and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The duo were two of the club's most impressive performers last season, but they made a real mess of Barcelona's leveller. Juanfran was guilty of allowing Neymar, who is not known for his aerial ability, to beat the right-back in the air, while Courtois should never have allowed the Brazilian's effort to beat him at his near post.

Referee performance

In a red-hot atmosphere, Alberto Undiano did well to keep a lid on things this evening. The Spaniard refused to issue unnecessary cards in the early stages of proceedings, but was forced into action in the latter stages of the first period. He continued to remain composed in the second half, issuing cards where he felt necessary, rather than listening to the pressure from both sets of players.

What next?

Atletico: Simeone's side return to league action on Sunday when they welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Spanish capital.

Barcelona: Barcelona also switch their attention to La Liga this weekend with a trip to financially-stricken Malaga.