The 29th day of La Liga offered a top clash this Sunday between FC Barcelona (3rd) and Atlético de Madrid (5th). Relegated eleven points behind Real Madrid, the Blaugranas had to win to keep one last little hope of the title. For their part, the Colchoneros had seen Bilbao pass in front of them and were counting on overtaking the Basque team to return to the top 4, synonymous with qualification for the Champions League. Atlético de Madrid opted for a 3-5-2 with several young elements like Pablo Barrios, Samuel Lino and Rodrigo Riquelme on the pitch. Some executives like Koke and Antoine Griezmann started on the bench. For FC Barcelona, a 4-3-3 was chosen with a few surprises such as the start of Hector Fort and Joao Félix while Lamine Yamal started on the bench.
This meeting got off to a strong start under the leadership of the locals. Launched from deep, Alvaro Morata fell in the area in contact with Ronald Araujo before being flagged offside (6th). Then a few minutes later, Rodrigo De Paul served behind Pablo Barrios whose axial shot just in front of the Catalan area failed to hit the right corner (9th). A first alert which confirmed the desire of the Colchoneros to take control of operations. After a cross to the left from Samuel Lino, Alvaro Morata almost took advantage, but Pau Cubarsi came to save the Blaugrana house (23rd). A very lively half hour from the Colchoneros, but which was going to be followed by a reaction from the Catalans.
Barça more realistic
On the left, Robert Lewandowski crossed for Raphinha whose helmet shot did not find the target (36th). In the process, it was Fermin Lopez who would put Jan Oblak (38th) in difficulty. Finally, Barcelona's hard work was rewarded. Launched by Ilkay Gündogan, Robert Lewandowski crossed for Joao Félix who remembered well the club to which he belongs to score with the one where he is on loan (1-0, 39th). If a few minutes later, Xavi was sent off (42nd), Atlético tried to react via Alvaro Morata in vain (44th). Picked cold, the Colchoneros returned with good intentions as well as Memphis Depay and Antoine Griezmann on the field. No problem for FC Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski with a cross shot was responsible for sinking his evening opponent (2-0, 47th).
Taking a blow to the head, Atlético de Madrid did not give up and Rodrigo Riquelme forced Marc-André ter Stegen to make a save (53rd). In the seconds that followed, the German still had to work in front of Marcos Llorente and Memphis Depay (54th). Barça fell back and Marcos Llorente was narrowly caught by Pau Cubarsi (55th) before Rodrigo Riquelme (56th) and Pau Cubarsi (59th) tried their luck in vain. Lacking realism unlike FC Barcelona, Atlético was going to crack again with a strike from Fermin Lopez who had benefited from a caviar from Robert Lewandowski (3-0, 65th). Once again, Atlético would push to save the honor, but the attempts of Pablo Barrios (72nd), Memphis Depay (73rd) or Saul Niguez (86th) were not enough. The nightmare even ended with the exclusion of Nahuel Molina (90th +3). With this 3-0 victory, FC Barcelona beat Atlético, move up to second place and come within eight points of Real Madrid.
