Led and manhandled, Atlético Madrid overthrew FC Barcelona at the end of added time (2-1) and took sole lead of the Spanish championship on Saturday during the clash of the 18th day at the Montjuic Olympic stadium.
Diego Simeone's men are now the sole leaders, with 41 points, and continue their exceptional series of seven consecutive victories in the league (twelve in all competitions). They also enjoyed their first success on the pitch at Barcelona since 2006.
Barça has a second consecutive loss at home, after that against promoted Leganés (1-0) last weekend, and continues its poor performances in the league, counting only one victory in the last seven matches, including a setback at home last weekend against Leganés.
With 38 points, he is now under threat from Real Madrid, 3rd (37 pts) with two matches less, who can take first place in the event of a victory against Sevilla FC on Sunday (4:15 p.m.).
Largely dominant in the first period, Hansi Flick's men, suspended and in the stands, multiplied the opportunities despite the absence of Lamine Yamal, injured in the ankle and out for three or four weeks.
They opened the scoring thanks to a sublime action with Pedri, who had remained silent for twelve matches, at the start and at the finish. After a recovery at 30 meters, the 22-year-old Spaniard deceived Jan Oblak (1-0, 30th) on the opposite side after a perhaps not completely intentional one-two with Gavi.
Barcelona in Montjuic on December 21, 2024 / MANAURE QUINTERO / AFP
At the end of the match, the Slovenian goalkeeper would make several decisive saves in a few minutes, notably in front of Raphinha, then Pedri (86th, 87th).
After not attempting any shots in the first period, Atlético finally showered the Barcelonars with their second shot, on the hour mark. From outside the area, Rodrygo de Paul crossed his shot to put the two back teams tied (1-1, 60th).
A few seconds before the end of six minutes of added time, as we headed towards a status quo at the top of the championship, Alexander Sorloth finished off Barcelona's hopes by perfectly recovering a cross from Molina, hit by several Catalan legs (90 +6).
The Barcelonans had, however, created several chances, before Madrid's equalizer: a lob from Raphinha on the crossbar (57th), a miss from Lewandowski in front of the goals (76th).
