Atletico Madrid made a stunning comeback to defeat Barcelona 2-1, grabbing the top spot in La Liga. Pedri initially gave Barcelona the lead, but second-half goals by Rodrigo De Paul and Alexander Sorloth sealed the victory for Diego Simeone’s side, pushing them three points clear on the table.
Despite dominating the first half, Barcelona couldn’t hold off Atletico, who have now won 12 straight games across all competitions. This was Simeone’s first-ever La Liga away win against Barcelona, marking a milestone for the team.
Barcelona’s struggles continue as they have only one win in their last seven league matches and suffered their third consecutive home league defeat, a streak not seen since 1987.
Key Moments in the Match
- Pedri’s Opening Goal: Pedri led Barcelona in the 30th minute, combining well with Gavi before slotting the ball past Oblak.
- Missed Opportunities: Barcelona missed chances to extend their lead, with Raphinha hitting the crossbar and Oblak saving Fermin Lopez’s effort.
- De Paul’s Equalizer: A failed clearance from Marc Casado allowed De Paul to score a low, firm strike to equalize.
- Sorloth’s Late Winner: In stoppage time, Nahuel Molina’s cross found Sorloth, whose powerful shot clinched the win.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi reflected on the loss, saying, “It’s inexplicable…we had the game in our hands and didn’t take advantage.” Pedri echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the team’s need to reset mentally and physically during the break.
Atletico’s substitutes proved pivotal, with Sorloth continuing his impressive form as the team’s top scorer. “His 20, 30, or 40 minutes are extraordinary,” said Simeone, emphasizing the depth of his squad.
The victory ensures Atletico Madrid will sit at the top of the table during Christmas, a position well-earned through their persistence and late-game heroics.
