The clash at the top between Barça and Atlético Madrid had a dramatic outcome. In a stunned Camp Nou, the Colchoneros won 2-1 thanks to a goal in the final seconds, signed Alexander Sorloth (96th). A decisive success which could weigh heavily in the race for the La Liga title.
Barça dominant but imprecise
From the first minutes, the Catalans took the initiative, imposing their pace against a cautious Atlético. This domination was confirmed after half an hour by a superb action between Pedri and Gavi. The first, perfectly served by his friend from the training center, opened the scoring (1-0, 30th).
Despite several opportunities to widen the gap, Xavi’s men were unable to show realism. Rafinha found the crossbar (57th), while Lewandowski missed a golden opportunity two meters from the goal (76th).
Atlético comes back, then strikes right in the heart
In a style faithful to Diego Simeone, the Madrilenians took advantage of the slightest flaw to get back into the game. On the hour mark, Rodrigo De Paul exploited a poor return from the Barcelona defense to equalize with an unstoppable shot (1-1, 60th).
While Barça besieged Jan Oblak’s goal at the end of the match, the Colchoneros punished the Catalans with a murderous counterattack. In the 96th minute, the Norwegian Sørloth, well served by a perfect cross from Nahuel Molina, crucified Iñaki Peña with an unstoppable flat foot (1-2). This scenario recalls Atlético’s victory in Paris in the Champions League, another demonstration of their clinical effectiveness.
A thunderbolt in La Liga
With this success snatched at the wire, Atlético Madrid seizes first place in the championship, three points ahead of Barça, while having a match in hand. This twist of theater redistributes the cards in the title race, placing Simeone’s men in an ideal position.
For the Catalans, this defeat at home, despite a clear domination, marks a negative turning point. The spiral of disappointing results continues, while Atlético more than ever asserts its status as number one candidate for the La Liga title. Hats off also to El Cholo, who triumphs on Barcelona soil for the first time since he was in charge of the Matelassiers.
