Luck, Barcelona’s lack of focus, Lamine Yamal’s absence, outstanding Jan Oblak, Diego Simeone’s prayers – whichever force helped Atletico make an unbelievable comeback and defeat Barcelona at Estadi de Montjuic is very strong! Blaugrana was way better rival throughout the entire match, while Atletico made their first attempt only after 50 minutes.Little Barca in Miami – Neymar joins Messi, Suarez and Co?!Still, Hansi Flick’s boys used only one of their numerous chances when Pedri netted for the lead in the 30th minute. Raphinha hit the bar shortly after the break to make it 2-0, and when Barca missed a lot, Atletico used their only two chances over Rodrigo De Paul in the 60th and the sub Alexander Sorloth in the 96th to beat Barca after being completely crushed by the Catalans’ pressure and dominance – 2-1!🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Barcelona 1-2 Atlético Madrid | SorlothSORLOTH WINS IT FOR ATLETICO MADRID IN THE 96TH MINUTE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/pFpdk5VyYh— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) December 21, 2024 As if they played against some Spanish minnows, Barcelona absolutely smashed Atletico during the first half. Moreover, Diego Simeone’s crew failed to make a single attempt – either on or off target?! On the other hand, the Catalans had six – two on target, of which one found the net.Los Colchoneros barely left their half during the opening 25 minutes while Barca “bombarded” them with shots. Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and Inigo Martinez all tried to put the ball behind Jan Oblak’s back, mainly after Raphinha’s crosses, though the Brazilian had a few efforts himself.Barca snatch an African gemYet, everything was in vain until the 30th minute, when the youngsters Gavi and Pedri played a simple one-two pass that broke Atletico’s defence, and the latter opened the scoring! Only then did the visitors start playing slightly more courageously, but they were nowhere near the required level to threaten Barcelona.🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Barcelona 1-0 Atlético Madrid | PedriPEDRI OPENS THE SCORING FOR BARCELONA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/rqy3oujxr8— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) December 21, 2024 The break passed and the second half started, but the same story continued, as the Catalans had a massive chance to make it 2-0 through Fermin Lopez only minutes after the break, but Oblak saved Atletico. Lewa attempted from a free kick, Pedri shot far wide from inside the box, and Raphinha hit the bar – and all that in the opening 15 minutes after the break!⚠️ | QUICK STAT• Pedri’s first goal since 20 October• Gavi’s first assist since 23 September 2023• First time they’ve combined for a goal since 10 April 2022Barcelona’s opener against Atlético Madrid was a thing of beauty! 🤩#BarcaAtleti pic.twitter.com/7AoHayEfK5— Sofascore Football (@SofascoreINT) December 21, 2024 And then, at the hour mark, out of the blue, Atletico levelled! Julian Alvarez initiated a fastbreak, Marc Casado did not clear the ball properly, it came to Rodrigo De Paul, who perfectly found Inaki Pena’s bottom-left corner, making it 1-1!DE PAUL’S GOAL!!!! 😍 pic.twitter.com/eVYElmzc48— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) December 21, 2024 As if the equalizer provoked them, Barca continued with even stronger pressure and dominance, while, for Atletico, the goal seems to have been a “retreat sign.” Still, Simeone’s boys were cunningly waiting for fastbreak chances, and after using one of them, Pablo Barrios had a colossal one-on-one opportunity to turn the tables but was stopped by Pena. In the last five minutes, Raphinha had two excellent opportunities but marvellous Oblak denied both of them and saved his team.⚠️ | QUICK STATAfter…• 1049 days• 7h 31m of play• 59 shots• 18 shots on target• 4.72 xG…without scoring against Barcelona, Atlético finally found the net thanks to Rodrigo de Paul’s fine effort from the edge of the box which makes it 1–1! 🎯#BarcaAtleti pic.twitter.com/7JAFnRZulp— Sofascore Football (@SofascoreINT) December 21, 2024 And while Barca were attacking during the entire injury time and chasing the winner, Atletico awaited another fastbreak and another goal for one of the most shocking triumphs this season, especially considering what we watched tonight! Alexander Sorloth turned out to be Simeone’s golden sub as the Norwegian netted the immensely important winner!This victory secured the top spot to Los Colchoneros, while Barcelona remain three points behind. Real Madrid will have a chance to take over the leading position, but Atletico’s players don’t care about that much. They just want to enjoy tonight – that’s for sure.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 18FridayGirona – Valladolid 3-0 (2-0)/Lopez D. 31, Ruiz 39, Danjuma 81/SaturdayGetafe – Mallorca 0-1 (0-0)/Larin 53 pen/Celta – Sociedad 2-0 (2-0)/Duran 40, 45+1/Osasuna – Ath.Bilbao 1-2 (1-1)/Torro 25 – Guruzeta 31, Berenguer 74/Barcelona – Atl.Madrid 1-2 (1-0)/Pedri 30 – De Paul 60, Sorloth 90+6/Sunday16:00: (2.30) Valencia (3.10) Alaves (3.40)18:15: (1.33) Real Madrid (5.50) Sevilla (8.50)20:30: (1.90) Las Palmas (3.60) Espanyol (4.50)20:30: (4.10) Leganes (3.50) Villareal (2.00)23:00: (1.80) Betis (3.60) Rayo Vallecano (5.10)***odds are subject to change***
