Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Felix haunted Simeone’ side
Barcelona grabbed a crucial victory against Atletico Madrid, and what’s more crucial? It’s Joao Felix who scored a winner against Diego Simeone’s side.
Xavi’s side has now had back-to-back victories in all competitions, which will boost their mentality to finish 2023 strong.
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Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid – Highlights
It’s two sides of a story when one of La Liga’s best performers last month, former Barca star Antoine Griezmann, went totally invisible. The current on-loan forward from Atletico, Felix, shined.
The home side started very well and was close to storing the opener inside the first minute. Raphinha thought his finish could beat Jan Oblak after a fine combination with Ilkay Gundogan; however, the Brazilian shot wide.
The former Man City man Gundogan had a great game, orchestrating the midfield and constantly creating chances against Los Colchoneros. After 28 minutes, Blaugranas broke the deadlock.
Jules Kounde and Raphinha combined before the winger found Felix as the Portugal striker dinked a composed finish over Oblak.
Atletico had few sights of goal but did come close to an equalizer 10 minutes before half-time. A rare break upfield saw the ball worked out to Griezmann inside the area. The Frenchman went for goal but saw his effort brilliantly blocked by a flying Frenkie de Jong.
The action then switched to the other end, with Lewandowski and Gundogan teeing up Felix on another excellent chance, but Oblak saved his bright shot.
Diego Simeone made three changes at half-time to get his team back in the game. On came Angel Correa, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Samuel Lino, but Barcelona kept coming and were close to add the second just before the hour.
Again, it was main engine, Raphinha running across the pitch and going for a goal. The Brazilian’s shot beat Oblak but hit the post and flew to safety. The chance drew an instant response from Atletico with another counter ending in Griezmann firing into the side netting.
Griezmann continued his goal drought against his former side as he went through 14 games without a goal.
More chances came in the closing stages for both sides. The pick was undoubtedly a free-kick from substitute Memphis Depay that was brilliantly tipped onto the woodwork of Inaki Pena in the Barcelona goal.
Lewandowski then had the chance to win it with just five minutes of normal time remaining, but again, he conspired to put his shot wide. The final minutes were very scrappy, with Pena needing to make another great block late to preserve the win and three crucial points.
Earlier to this game, Griezmann said João Félix “lacked the consistency” to succeed at Atlético Madrid. Saúl Ñiguez also said Félix “could have done things” better at the club. Today, Félix responded by scoring the winner for Barcelona against his parent club.
Barcelona’s back in the race
The win could prove crucial in getting defending champion Barcelona back in the title race, and they’ve got another massive game next Sunday when second-place Girona visits.
Momentum is starting to build after losing to Real Madrid in October, with 10 points picked up from a possible 12.
Barcelona moved three points clear of Atletico Madrid and moved within four points of the top spot.
Diego Simeone’s side do have a game in hand, however.
Author Details
TOM is a dedicated soccer writer whose words come alive on the page, mirroring the electric energy of the pitch. With a keen eye for detail and an unbridled love for the sport
