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Barcelona Beat Atletico Madrid 3–1 With Goals From ELPHINHA, DNI OLMO AND FERRAN TORRES, Ending Atletic’s Unbeaten Run and Extending Their Laliga Lead Over Real Madrid.
Barcelona celebrating their comeback win against Atletico (AP)
Barcelona shook off an early scare to beat Atletico Madrid 3–1 on Tuesday night, handing the visitors their first LaLiga defeat since August and tightening their grip on top spot.
Goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres ensured the champions walked away with a four-point cushion over Real Madrid, who face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
Atletico arrived at the partially reopened Camp Nou riding a seven-game winning streak in all competitions and looking every bit like a title challenger. And they made the first punch count.
In the 19th minute, Nahuel Molina spotted Barcelona’s high line and sent a beautifully weighted long pass to Alex Baena, who sprinted past Gerard Martin before coolly slotting beyond Joan Garcia.
But Barca found their rhythm quickly. Making his first start in over a month, Pedri slipped a trademark defence-splitting ball through the lines in the 26th minute. Raphinha timed his run perfectly, rounded Jan Oblak and tucked home the equaliser.
“We are gaining confidence match by match,” the Brazilian told Movistar. “Points like these can decide a league title.”
Barcelona should have gone ahead before the break when Dani Olmo won a penalty after being clipped by Pablo Barrios. But Robert Lewandowski ballooned the spot-kick miles over the bar before seeing a powerful header brilliantly clawed away by Oblak moments later.
The second half started cagey, with both teams wasting chances on the break. Eventually, Barca’s pressure told. In the 65th minute, a loose ball inside the box fell to Olmo, who drilled a low finish into the bottom corner — though the goal came at a price as he landed awkwardly and was forced off with what looked like a painful shoulder injury.
Atletico nearly pulled level when talismanic substitute Thiago Almada danced through two defenders and the goalkeeper, but somehow steered his finish wide.
Barcelona killed the game deep into stoppage time. Alejandro Balde burst down the left and squared for Ferran Torres, unmarked and unforgiving, to slot home for 3–1 in the 95th minute.
A big win, a bigger statement, and another reminder that Barcelona’s title defence is very much alive.
(with Reuters inputs)
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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