A truly heartbreaking moment for all culers as Barça loses their first match against Atletico at home in 18 years. Simeone has finally broken the Barça home curse in his 18th attempt, and what an important victory this is for Atletico Madrid.
Simeone’s Men Clinch Victory In Late Thriller
The First Half was full of chances for Barça
The match started with Barça starting with Raphinha on the right flank. Pedri and Gavi had a more central role while Casado shifted back as a pivot. Fermin was on the far left flank. Things started well for barça as the Blaugrana dominated with the ball and put the Atletico defense under intense pressure. Pedri threaded some magical balls and Raphinha also put on a display on the right flank. He gave a couple of devilish crosses which were somehow defended. He effectively stretched the pitch wide, making spaces for midfielders.
The Barça midfield dictated the tempo of the game and the full-backs connected well with them. Barca finally got off the mark through a magical, gliding run from Pedri. Gavi provided the assist and things looked good for Barça.
The Atleti players didn’t do much as Griezmann spent most of the time defending. De Paul was having an awful game with most of his passes misplaced and Alvarez didn’t just get settled at all. The half ended at 1-0 in favor of Barça. The score could’ve been much higher if most of the created chances were converted.
Second Half: Late Drama decides league leaders
The second half commenced and it seemed like the Atletico players had a plan. Witsel came in at the 52nd minute and a backline of five defenders was maintained. Barça managed to create more as Pedri continued his masterclass. He threaded an absolute peach of a pass through the lines in the 57th minute to Raphinha, who managed to hit the woodwork.
Simeone’s Tactics Work: Second Half Equalizer
However, Simeone had effectively taken the sting out of the game as the game became a lot slower. The slender lead of barça diminished as Casado’s back heel clearance proved to be a perfect assist for a charging De Paul. He netted a right-footed curler from outside the box and leveled the score in the 60th minute.
Oblak Was Rock Solid: Atletico Does Not Flinch
Atletico became a lot more defensive as Barça kept insisting. Olmo and Ferran were introduced to add some creativity and shift the tempo in Barça’s favor. Olmo tried his quick feet and managed to create a few half chances but all in vain. Raphinha was also being constantly denied by Oblak’s rock-solid keeping. Barça won lots of corners but most of them were wasted due to short corners turned into back passing. It was frustrating as the game became stuck in a loop.
Griezmann, who underperformed today, was substituted and Sorlorth came in. He troubled the barça defenders a couple of times but nothing threatening. It seemed the match would end in a draw as Atletico players started delaying throw-ins and free kicks. Lewandowski fluffed an absolute sitter but it seemed the goal would’ve been ruled out due to offside if it stood. Six minutes were added at the end of normal time and Barça continued to build from the back, and Atletico maintained their lines.
Agony for Barca, Ecstasy for Atleti
The match was almost over when a sudden counterattack by Atletico caught Barça off guard in the 96th minute. Sorlorth proved to be a super sub as he netted the ball with his left foot in the very last minute, assisted by Nahuel Molina. Atletico Madrid now sits on top of the Laliga table as 2024 has officially ended for Barça.
This match was dominated by Barcelona but Atletico still managed to win it. This game proves that football is all about determination, where even the final seconds can make the difference.
Flick has time to reflect before his next clash against Barbastro in Copa Del Ray.
Flick might rest a few players in this upcoming fixture. Some players are exhausted and need rotation, but the squad lacks depth. The coach and his staff need to sort out their priorities. Season’s decisive moments are yet to come and the Barca boys need to stop panicking.