Under Xavi's leadership, Barcelona maintained their perfect winning streak against Atlético Madrid with a 1-0 win, securing three crucial points in their pursuit to retain the La Liga title.
Embed from Getty Images
In a match crucial for keeping up with La Liga leaders Real Madrid and Girona, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid started with an intense exchange of attacks. The visitors, Atlético, first threatened with Nahuel Molina's shot being cleared by Ronald Araújo.
Barcelona responded immediately, with Robert Lewandowski missing a rare close-range header. Early on, Lewandowski struggled to find his mark, missing another chance from a precise Jules Koundé cross.
Barcelona soon found the breakthrough, thanks to a familiar face to Atlético. João Félix, marginalized by his former coach Diego Simeone, savored scoring against his old club with a skillful lob. His goal sparked a memorable celebration in front of the Atlético fans, but it didn't ignite a strong response from the visitors.
Barcelona, energized by the goal, aimed for a second after halftime. Raphinha almost doubled the lead, hitting the post. Simeone's frustration was evident as he made all five substitutions by the 66th minute, but even the introduction of ex-Barça player Memphis Depay didn't change the game's course.
Depay tried to make an impact, narrowly missing with a powerful free-kick saved spectacularly by Iñaki Peña Sotorres onto the woodwork. That was the closest Atlético came to equalizing, as Barcelona held on for a win that keeps them close to the league leaders. Atlético, still in contention and with a game in hand, remains a threat in the title race.
