Barcelona delivered one of their most complete performances of the season on Tuesday night, battling back from an early setback to claim a spirited 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou a result that sends them four points clear at the top of La Liga and halts Atleti’s 13 game unbeaten run.
The match began at a frantic pace with both sides carving out half chances inside the opening minutes. Although Barcelona saw more of the ball early, Atletico was the sharper outfit in transition. It was therefore no surprise when Alex Baena broke the deadlock, timing his run perfectly to meet Nahuel Molina’s lofted pass before sliding the ball past Joan Garcia. Initially ruled offside, the goal was overturned by VAR exposing once again Barca’s much criticized high defensive line.
To their credit Hansi Flick’s side responded instantly. Only six minutes later Pedri outstanding on his return to the XI split open the Atletico backline, releasing Raphinha, who rounded Jan Oblak and finished calmly into an empty net. It was therefore spark Barcelona needed and the Camp Nou crowd responded accordingly.
The champions soon had a golden opportunity to flip the match entirely when Dani Olmo was tripped inside the box, but Robert Lewandowski ballooned his penalty far into the stands a glaring miss that summed up the striker’s difficult evening. The polish veteran nearly redeemed himself moments later, but Oblak produced a sensational stop to deny his close range header.
Barcelona’s intensity increased after the break. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal repeatedly stretched Atletico, while Joan Carcia made a crucial save to deny Julian Alvarez at the over end. The match turned decisively at 65 minutes when Olmo, having wriggled free on the edge of the box, curled a superb left footed finish into the far corner. The midfielder injured his shoulder while striking the ball an unfortunate end to an otherwise dynamic display and was immediately substituted.
Atletico pushed for an equalizer and nearly found one when Thiago Almada inexplicably missed an open goal, scuffling wide under little pressure. Antoine Griezmann also squandered a late chance, while Barcelona began finding more space as the visitors committed bodies forward.
In stoppage time, the Catalans sealed the win. Alejandro Balde,surged down the left and squared for Ferran Torres, who guided the ball home from close range to secure the points and ignite celebrations around the stadium.
The victory Barcelona’s fifth in a row in La Liga not only strengthens their title credentials but also offers a psychological lift after recent inconsistency. With Real Madrid playing 17 hours later, Flick’s men have applied real pressure at the summit.
“This is the spirit we need,” said goal scorer Raphinha afterwards. “Wins like this decide title races.”
Barcelona will hope the injured to Olmo and Pedri prove minor, but for now, momentum is firmly theirs.
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