Catalonia, Spain – Barcelona suffered a heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat as Alexander Sørloth’s last-gasp aim secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Atlético Madrid on the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on Saturday. The outcome propelled Diego Simeone’s facet to the highest of La Liga, ending Barcelona’s hopes of reclaiming the summit.
The hosts, who have been with out the injured Lamine Yamal, dominated the early exchanges, displaying relentless vitality to unsettle their in-form opponents, who got here into the match on an 11-game successful streak throughout all competitions.
Barcelona deservedly took the lead within the thirtieth minute when Pedri surged ahead and slotted previous Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak, capping a formidable first-half show.
Raphinha almost doubled the benefit moments later, however his lobbed effort struck the crossbar. The missed alternative proved pricey as Atlético punished Barcelona’s incapacity to clear their traces. Rodrigo De Paul curled in a superb equaliser from the sting of the field within the sixtieth minute, turning the tide of the sport.
Regardless of Barcelona’s sustained stress and a number of saves from Oblak to disclaim Raphinha and Pedri, Atlético adopted a defensive stance, irritating the house facet. Then, with nearly the ultimate kick of the match, Sørloth completed off a swift counter-attack to grab a sensational victory, marking Atlético’s first away league win towards Barcelona since 2006.
The outcome sees Atlético leapfrog Barcelona within the standings, showcasing their title credentials beneath Simeone. In the meantime, Hansi Flick, who managed the sport from the stands on account of suspension, will lament his crew’s missed alternatives and defensive lapses.
Participant Scores
Goalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Peña (6/10): Made essential saves within the second half however was powerless to cease Sørloth’s winner.
Jules Koundé (6/10): Stable defensively however finally unable to stop the late aim.
Pau Cubarsí (6/10): Held his personal in key duels however was outdone within the decisive second.
Iñigo Martínez (6/10): Successfully neutralised Griezmann however struggled towards Sørloth’s physicality.
Alejandro Balde (6/10): Spectacular in assault however left areas open defensively.
Midfield
Pedri (8/10): Excellent efficiency capped with a well-taken aim; Barcelona’s standout participant.
Marc Casadó (5/10): Labored onerous however his poor clearance led to Atlético’s equaliser.
Gavi (7/10): Performed a key position within the opener and contributed considerably in midfield battles.
Assault
Raphinha (7/10): Barcelona’s major risk, however wasteful ending let him down.
Robert Lewandowski (6/10): Struggled for alternatives in a irritating outing.
Fermín López (5/10): Lacked composure in key moments and was substituted early.
Dani Olmo (7/10): Displayed intelligent link-up play however couldn’t unlock Atlético’s defence.
Substitutes
Ferran Torres (7/10): Introduced vitality and creativity, providing greater than López.
Eric García (N/A): Restricted time to affect the sport.
Supervisor
Hansi Flick (6/10): Oversaw a powerful efficiency however will rue tactical choices and the crew’s incapacity to complete off the sport.
What’s Subsequent?
Barcelona faces rising considerations over their kind and ending forward of the festive interval. In the meantime, Atlético will look to take care of their momentum as they bid to cement their place on the summit of La Liga.
