The backdrop to this match was as dramatic as the action on the pitch, with both teams having navigated through the rigors of Champions League fixtures earlier in the week. This European exertion led both tacticians, Xavi for Barcelona and Diego Simeone for Atlético, to adjust their tried and tested lineups. Atlético missed the services of stalwarts such as Hermoso, Griezmann, and Koke, while Barcelona were without Lamine, Cancelo, and Christensen, the latter missing out due to a last-minute injury during warm-up, making room for young talents like Fermín, Cubarsí, and Héctor Fort to prove their worth.
The game took an intriguing turn with Joao Félix facing his parent club, amidst a cauldron of hostility from the Atlético faithful. Despite being on loan at Barcelona, Félix's return was met with disdain, evident from the defacement of his commemorative plaque outside the stadium and the vehement boos that followed him throughout the match. Yet, it was Félix who silenced the crowd with a precise strike just before halftime, affirming his commitment to his temporary badge.
Atlético de Madrid with high pressure at the start
During the first half, Atlético employing a suffocating press that initially stymied Barcelona's creative outlets. Despite this, the visitors found their rhythm, culminating in Félix's goal, a product of a seamless interaction between Gündogan and Lewandowski.
The match's intensity didn’t wane after the break, even as Barcelona's bench lost Xavi to an expulsion due to dissent, a testament to the match's high stakes. Atlético, spurred on by the roaring Metropolitano, sought to claw their way back into the game, but Barcelona's defense, marshaled by Ter Stegen, stood tall against the onslaught. The introduction of Griezmann for Atlético and the physicality of the match underscored the desperation of the home side to reverse their fortunes.
As the second half progress, Barcelona extended their lead through Lewandowski, further dashing Atlético's hopes. The goal underscored Barcelona's clinical edge and Lewandowski's prowess, reinforcing why he is considered among the elite strikers in the game. The coup de grâce was delivered by the young Fermín, who not only sealed the victory but also highlighted Barcelona's successful integration of youth with experience, a formula that has revitalized their campaign.
The match was more than a victory for Barcelona, it was a demonstration of their resurgence under Xavi. For Atlético, it was a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, not just for the remainder of the season but in their quest to remain among Europe's elite. As Barcelona left the Metropolitano with three points and a place secured in second on the table, the echoes of this victory will reverberate, reminding all of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football.
Post-match statements
Robert Lewandowski shared his thoughts on what was a great victory for the club, emphasizing the quality of the performance and the significance of scoring three goals at such a challenging venue. "This was one of the best matches of the season. We played very well, and to score three goals in this stadium is really good. I am very happy and pleased. If we play easier, we play better," he explained, highlighting the team's adaptability and the shifts in training that have contributed to their recent form.
Marc-André ter Stegen mirrored Lewandowski's satisfaction with the result while also casting a spotlight on the collective effort that underpinned their success. "Very happy. A very complicated match, winning here is very difficult. We managed it spectacularly" he said, acknowledging the defensive solidity and teamwork that facilitated the clean sheet.
From Atlético Madrid's, Reinildo's post-match comments painted a picture of a team struggling to reconcile their identity with the performance on the day. "We have not played as we are used to. Like the other day in the Champions League, we did everything, that's the DNA of the team" he remarked, expressing disappointment but refusing to use the recent exertions as an excuse. "We have no excuses. The opposing team played very well, that's the truth. But it's true that with the overtime, it could be. But it's not an excuse. We are used to playing Wednesday and weekend. That's what we do. But it could be," Reinildo added.
Koke's reflection on the game underscored the initial equilibrium that was disrupted by Barcelona's opener. "At the beginning, it was very even, until the 0-1, which hurt us, and especially the second goal right at the start of the second half" he noted, pointing to the pivotal moments that tilted the game in Barcelona's favor. His acknowledgment of the difficulty faced by Atlético in replicating their home form on their travels, and the fatigue factor from their European commitments, underscored the multifaceted challenges confronting the team. Yet, Koke's focus on the upcoming break and the necessity to recharge and refocus speaks to the resilience and determination that have been hallmarks of Atlético under Simeone.