The encounter between Barca – Atletico Madrid in round 19 of La Liga took place with a similar scenario to the two teams’ two meetings in the Spanish Super Cup.
The draw result means that Barca is the champion of the first leg with 50 points, equal to Atletico but with better difference.
Messi came on the field in the second half but could not help the away team make a difference.
Atletico’s confident play against Barca is a statement that Mr. Simeone’s team has enough strength to compete for the La Liga championship this season.
The away team Barca marched to Vicente Calderon without two stars Messi and Neymar in the main squad.
Unlike El Clasico matches with an open attack, Barca – Atletico did not create many scoring opportunities due to the tactical intentions of the Madrid team.
There were many fiery collisions that took place during the match.
In the first 5 minutes, Atletico wanted to surprise them by playing a pre-emptive attack at a very fast pace, forcing Barca players towards Valdes’ goal.
Without a goal, coach Simeone’s players returned to their familiar defensive counter-attacking style.
The core of Barca’s playing style is Iniesta and Xavi, which did not show much in this match when the Atletico midfielders approached too quickly with a solid kicking style.
The Argentinian star came on in the second half to replace Iniesta, leaving a dangerous shot in the penalty area but goalkeeper Courtois blocked it.
In the last 10 minutes of the match, the away team Barca attacked, playing one-touch football at a higher speed to break down the home team’s defense.
* Video: Match progress.
Atletico
Match parameters
Barca
thirty first%
Ball control rate
69%
6
Total shot
9
2
Hit the target
2
7
Corner kick
6
See La Liga standings
