LaLiga: Barcelona's Home Woes Continue as Atletico Madrid Seal Dramatic Victory
Atletico Madrid overcame Barcelona 2-1 with a late Alexander Sorloth winner, sending them top of La Liga and compounding the hosts' home struggles.
Pedri had given Barcelona a 30th-minute lead, combining cleverly with teammate Gavi before unleashing a precise low strike that beat Jan Oblak. Despite controlling the proceedings, the hosts were unable to maintain their advantage, and Atletico capitalized on a mistake by Marc Casado. Rodrigo De Paul pounced on the error, smashing home the equalizer on the hour mark to draw the teams level.
Barcelona's profligacy in front of goal ultimately proved costly, as Atletico snatched victory in the dying embers of the match. Nahuel Molina's cross was emphatically converted by Sorloth in the sixth minute of injury time, securing Atletico's 12th consecutive win across all competitions. This hard-fought victory ensures that Atletico will conclude 2024 as Spain's top team, holding a three-point advantage over Barcelona, who have played one game more.
The implications of this result could be far-reaching, as Hansi Flick's Barcelona side risks slipping to third in the standings if Real Madrid emerges victorious against Sevilla on Sunday.
A remarkable turnaround has unfolded in La Liga, as Barcelona's 10-point advantage over Atletico Madrid in early November has been eradicated. A combination of Barcelona's dismal run of form and Atletico's relentless string of victories has enabled Diego Simeone's side to overhaul their rivals and reach the summit of the standings.
Atletico Madrid arrived at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis on level terms with Barcelona, knowing that a triumph would propel them to the top of La Liga and enable them to enter 2025 as leaders. Despite this knowledge, Atletico found themselves largely on the back foot for the majority of the contest, withstanding a barrage of Barcelona attacks throughout.
Barcelona squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to seize the initiative in the 25th minute, as Gavi found himself unmarked and perfectly positioned to meet Raphinha's cross. However, the Spanish midfielder failed to capitalize, directing his header off target from close range. Gavi redeemed himself shortly thereafter, showcasing his vision and skill with a clever backheel that set up Pedri's opening goal.
Barcelona's momentum continued in the second half despite Flick's absence due to a two-game touchline ban. The team created several scoring opportunities, including a solid save by Oblak on Fermin Lopez's shot and Pedri's effort sailing just over the crossbar.
Raphinha came close to scoring with an audacious lob that rattled the crossbar and later missed a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper. However, Barcelona's inability to capitalize on these chances proved costly. Atletico Madrid's De Paul seized on Casado's failed backheel clearance and scored in the bottom corner.
The hosts' woes continued as Sorloth netted the late winner, stunning Barcelona and securing the victory for Atletico Madrid. The win marked Barcelona's third consecutive league loss at home, and Atletico's celebrations erupted when the final whistle blew.
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