By Martin Graham | twenty second Dec 2024
Barcelona seemed in management for a lot of the sport, showcasing their attacking prowess early on on the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Pedri opened the scoring within the thirtieth minute, ending a slick transfer with Gavi, who supplied a deft backheel help. The younger Spanish duo’s connection proved efficient, with Pedri calmly slotting previous Jan Oblak.
Regardless of their dominance, Barcelona struggled to capitalize additional. Gavi missed a golden alternative when he did not direct a header on course from a Raphinha cross. Moments later, Fermin López compelled Oblak into a pointy save, Pedri fired narrowly over, and Raphinha struck the crossbar with an formidable lob. Their lack of ability to increase the lead would show pricey.
Atletico punish Barcelona’s errors
Atletico, who entered the match degree on factors with their hosts, endured sustained stress however remained resilient. Their persistence paid off within the sixtieth minute when Rodrigo De Paul capitalized on a pricey error. A failed backheel clearance by Marc Casado gifted De Paul an opportunity, and he seized it with a scientific strike into the underside nook.
Barcelona, taking part in below Hansi Flick’s absence because of a touchline ban, pushed for a winner within the closing levels. Nonetheless, wasteful ending continued to hang-out them.
Sorloth’s late heroics safe victory
Deep into harm time, Atletico delivered a hammer blow. Nahuel Molina’s pinpoint cross discovered substitute Alexander Sorloth, who fired in a dramatic winner within the sixth minute of stoppage time. The purpose despatched the guests into wild celebrations as they claimed their twelfth consecutive victory in all competitions.
The win lifts Atletico three factors clear on the high of La Liga, leaving Barcelona second, having performed an additional match. Hansi Flick’s facet now dangers falling to 3rd if Actual Madrid overcome Sevilla on Sunday. For Barcelona, the consequence marks their third straight house defeat within the league, capping off a dramatic turnaround within the title race since early November, once they held a commanding 10-point lead over Atletico.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
