Barça crushed Atletico (0-3) with a gala Robert Lewandowski, three weeks before the first leg against PSG.
Three weeks before their reunion in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona made their mark this weekend. The Parisians crushed Montpellier (2-6) and were waiting to see what the Catalans would do on the pitch of Atletico Madrid, potential opponent in the C1 semi-final. The least we can say is that Barça has hit hard and is ready for the final sprint of its season.
On the pitch of the Wanda Metropolitano, Xavi's men largely beat the Colchoneros (0-3) and regained second place in Liga in Girona, defeated the day before in Getafe (1-0). As a little too often for the tastes of Madrid supporters, their former player Joao Felix was excellent. The Portuguese notably opened the scoring by concluding a good move to deceive Jan Oblak on a service from Robert Lewandowski (0-1, 38th). The Pole was also on his feet and scored Barcelona's second goal by converting a ball from Raphinha with a placed cross shot (0-2, 47th), while being the architect of the third.
Lewandowski was everywhere, Xavi sent off
History that a representative of the Masia participates in the party, Firmin Lopez thus headed a tight cross from the former Munich player (0-3, 65th). Despite the fairly easy victory and the magnitude of the score, Xavi struggled to contain his stress and nervousness.
The former Blaugrana midfielder was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession in the 42nd minute. Proof that a calm player does not make a calm coach: Xavi has taken 88 yellow cards in 828 matches with Barça, or one every 9.4 matches. As a technician, the legendary midfielder took 24 yellow cards in 132 matches, or one every 5.5 matches.
The double confrontation with PSG risks being trying for Xavi as for all the players in this new chapter between clubs that have become enemies through transfers, signings as a free agent and bitter declarations. Winning matches like Sunday's against Atletico will inevitably help him approach the event in a more calm manner.
On the Madrid side, Antoine Griezmann returned, but as a substitute. The Blues striker came on at the break, without managing to impact this meeting.
