Barcelona got here again from a 1-0 deficit to 1 final evening on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, taking residence an enormous win forward of the worldwide break.
Giuliano Simeone gave Los Rojiblancos the lead early within the recreation, however t with an excellent end earlier than half-time.
Within the second half, Barcelona improved on their efficiency and dominated the hosts, finally discovering a second purpose by means of the identical goalscorer. The harm might have been worse, however Barcelona didn’t capitalise on their different possibilities.
Heading into the worldwide break now, Barcelona are the league leaders with a three-point cushion over Actual Madrid and 5 factors over Atletico Madrid.
Barça Common brings you three takeaways from Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona.
First-half embarrassment
Going purely by Barcelona’s first-half show in opposition to Atletico Madrid final evening, a win seemed to be near not possible.
Giuliano Simeone scored the opening purpose for Atletico Madrid. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Proper from the get-go on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Catalans suffered in opposition to Atletico Madrid’s excessive press and spirited attacking show.
Extra importantly, the workforce appeared removed from and not one of the gamers barring Lamine Yamal and Pedri put in a shift to be happy with.
The defence was merely in shambles, with the full-backs being particularly disappointing.
Joao Cancelo struggled down the left flank and was always left uncovered on Atletico Madrid’s transitions. His attacking coherence was not on level, nor did he look assured with the ball.
Brian Farinas, in the meantime, was clearly out of his depth as he struggled to maintain up with Atletico Madrid’s tempo. He was usually left hanging after poor positioning choices, and even his distribution was barely off.
Because of Barcelona’s defensive pitfalls and the hosts’ high-pressure midfield, the Catalans neither dominated the proceedings nor created many probabilities of word. Even the equaliser, actually, was comparatively undeserved as Atletico Madrid have been clearly the higher aspect all through the opening 45 minutes.
Frenkie de Jong’s influence
Frenkie de Jong made an enormous distinction. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Pressed to make modifications after a disappointing first-half efficiency, Hansi Flick got here up with an unconventional change that left many stunned. That transfer, nonetheless, turned out to be a masterstroke.
With the defence clearly struggling and the midfield missing numbers to create a way of dominance, the supervisor introduced Frenkie de Jong on for Brian Farinas.
On paper, the captain performed at right-back and did a lot better than the La Masia graduate when it comes to controlling Alex Baena and the huge midfielders.
Virtually, nonetheless, he additionally superior and added numbers in midfield, creating a way of midfield dominance and making certain Barcelona hold the momentum and possession.
His function, in that sense, was like a false right-back, and that change noticed the dynamics of the sport change fully. From being dominated, Barcelona instantly went to a state of full management the place Atletico Madrid have been merely left chasing the ball.
Later within the recreation, the captain additionally moved to a correct midfield function the place he established himself as a dependable companion to Pedri. It’s secure to say that De Jong modified the sport when it mattered most final evening, and that he must be a default starter after the worldwide break, at the very least till Rodri returns to supply a dilemma.
A win of monumental significance
Whereas Barcelona’s video games in opposition to PSG and Actual Madrid could seem extra vital than a conflict in opposition to Atletico Madrid, final evening’s conflict on the Metropolitano was way more important for Barcelona.
Barcelona strengthened their place on the prime of the desk. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Los Rojiblancos, in spite of everything, would have topped the desk and despatched Barcelona down within the standings simply earlier than the worldwide break with a win final evening. Flick’s males not solely prevented that, however prolonged their lead over Atletico Madrid to 5 factors with their comeback win.
Past that, nonetheless, the end result marked the top of an excellent week for Barcelona, particularly given how in addition they convincingly took down Aston Villa midweek within the UEFA Champions League. To beat them and Atletico Madrid in the identical week will come as a large confidence increase.
Barcelona are nonetheless removed from excellent. The primary-half show confirmed that quite a bit should change if they’re to compete in opposition to elite opponents with dominance, and there are a number of areas to enhance.
But, the win confirmed that when switched on, they’re merely probably the greatest groups round – one which even the league’s second-best workforce couldn’t management within the second half.
Heading into the worldwide break, Barcelona now have the momentum firmly on its aspect.