Atletico Madrid ascended to first place in La Liga with an impressive 2-1 comeback win against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
A stunning stoppage-time goal from substitute Alexander Sorloth secured the victory, extending Atletico’s unbeaten streak to 12 matches in all competitions and placing them three points ahead at the top, with a game in hand over their nearest challengers.
Barcelona gained the advantage in the 30th minute with Pedri, who coordinated and completed the play.
After advancing from midfield, the Spain international connected with Gavi, whose deflection unintentionally sent the ball back to Pedri.
The midfielder then coolly placed the ball beyond Jan Oblak to provide the Catalans with the lead.
The home team controlled a significant portion of the first half, stifling Atletico’s efforts to gain momentum with intense pressing and precise passing. Although they were without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal due to injury, Barcelona created multiple chances to increase their advantage, with both Fermin Lopez and Raphinha nearly succeeding.
Nonetheless, Atletico responded in the second half. A poorly executed backheel clearance from Marc Casado found Rodrigo De Paul, who struck a low shot into the bottom corner in the 62nd minute. The goal represented De Paul’s third in four league matches, highlighting his increasing impact in midfield.
As the game neared its concluding moments, both teams sought to secure a victory. Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski failed to convert a chance from close range, whereas Oblak thwarted Raphinha following another sharp assist from Pedri.
Late into stoppage time, Atletico discovered the breakthrough. Nahuel Molina provided an accurate cross from the right, and Sorloth, who was substituted in, struck the ball decisively to clinch all three points.
“Winning here in Barcelona since I arrived feels amazing,” Oblak said to Movistar after the game. “We faced a tough beginning, but we are performing well, and we succeeded in recovering after giving up a goal.”
This win was not just vital for Atletico’s championship hopes but also significant for coach Diego Simeone. It represented his inaugural away victory against Barcelona in La Liga, accomplished through determination and hard work.
Barcelona’s difficulties persist, with the defeat representing their third straight home league loss— the worst run since 1987. The squad has secured only one victory in their last seven league games, a downturn that risks upsetting their season.
“It’s hard to understand… we had control of the game and failed to capitalize,” stated Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi. Pedri shared the disappointment, acknowledging, “It’s a difficult loss to accept.” If you don’t complete a game, here’s what might occur.
In spite of the setback, manager Hansi Flick stayed hopeful. “We will strive for each point to secure victory in this league,” he stated. “This is the style we aim to adopt going forward, so we will carry this into next year.”
Atletico’s knack for scoring late has been a defining feature of their season, with the team finding the net in the 90th minute or beyond in 13 matches throughout all competitions. Sorloth, having played only seven league matches, is now the leading scorer of the team with eight goals.
Simeone commended the Norwegian striker’s efforts, stating, “His influence in those 20, 30, or 40-minute periods is remarkable.”
With the winter break nearing, Atletico remain securely in first place, while Barcelona needs to regroup and tackle their declining performance. The competition for the La Liga championship is set to be intense as the season advances.
