Barcelona 3-1 Atletico Madrid: Hansi Flick’s side claim three points as visitors rue missed chances
In-form Atletico Madrid were always going to be a tough test, but Barcelona passed after they overcame early jitters to seal a victory that not only extends their lead at the top of La Liga to four points but also provided psychological advantage. Atletico had thrashed Real Madrid at the Metropolitano only two months ago.
Here at the Camp Nou they scored first and briefly silenced the home crowd just 19 minutes in. Alex Baena timed his run to beat Barcelona’s contentious high line and delicately lift the ball over Joan Garcia. The goal withstood a VAR check.
But Barcelona responded quickly after Pedri split the Atletico defence to find Raphinha, who rounded Jan Oblak and calmly rolled the ball into the empty net.
Barcelona then continued to pile on the pressure. They should have gone into the break ahead after Dani Olmo was fouled in the box by Pablo Barrios, but Robert Lewandowski wasted a chance from the spot yet again, blasting high and wide.
Both sides enjoyed good moments in the second half but it was Barcelona who took their chances. Olmo found the far corner to put the home side up but then paid a hefty price when he apparently landed on his shoulder and had to be substituted off.
The game hung in the balance for almost the rest of the evening. Thiago Almada could have pulled his side level after rounding Garcia but he wasted the chance with the goal begging. Then Barcelona sealed the game in stoppage time when Alejandro Balde delivered a low cross for Ferran Torres to finish.
