Barcelona defeated Athletic Madrid 3-1 with goals from Raphinha, Olmo and Torres, in the just concluded El Classico ending their 13-game unbeaten league run. Atlético were only able to find the back of the net once through Baena, the first goal of the game but Barcelona quickly recovered and went on to win the game.Match OverviewThe game resumed with intense action as both sides showed their intent through successive attacks on the opponent’s half.
The first five minutes saw Barcelona making the first attempt at goal when Raphinha blazed a shot over the post.Atletico’s reply came through Alex Baena who was a willing runner but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net. Barcelona claimed early possession of the ball but Atlético looked sharper with Baena making the distinction between the two sides as the game approached the midway point when he converted from the center with a nonchalant finish.
Following the goal, there was sustained attacks from Barcelona although the five-man Atleti defense line held firmly. Despite the efforts of the sturdy defense, Barcelona were able to level seven minutes after Atletico’s opener through Raphinha’s clinical finish past Jan Oblak.The Blaugranas still sustained their assault, and were almost rewarded when Dani Olmos was fouled in the area by Pablo Barrios and got a penalty from the spot, but Robert Lewandowski wayward kick was sent into the stands. In the follow up, Oblak produced a world class save against the Polish international, keeper his header out of goal.With the scores level at halftime, Barca resumed the second period ahead, with more attacks but it was Julian Alvarez for got the first chance after the restart but his effort was neatly gathered by Joan Garcia. Both Raphinha and Giuliano Someone missed chances from well placed areas, with Lewandowski also falling short moments later.
An intense succession of play saw Baena being taken off after pulling his hamstring, and Olmo beating his marker to slot in a left-footer to give the hosts the lead. Olmo was then substituted for Ferran Torres after picking up an injury in the process of scoring. Barcelona now dominated play in terms of possession and creating chances, but the best chance fell to Thiago Almada who somehow missed an open goal for Atleti.The closing period of the game saw a series of back and forth but Barcelona were able to seal their victory with a goal in theast minute of stoppage time when Ferran Torres shot past Oblak.This victory gives Barca a 5 point cushion at the top of the league standings and means they have lost only one if their last 10 H2H against Atlético.
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