Internet Desk : Barcelona notched another hugely important win, this time against their closest rivals for the 2015-16 La Liga title. Atletico Madrid got off to a great start, with Koke giving them the lead . But Barcelona clawed back into the game with goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The visitors could’ve had a better chance of a second half comeback had it not been for their extremely aggressive play which led to two red cards.
The match started with impressive pressure from Atletico players all over the pitch. The visitors looked the better and more dangerous team on the pitch. The Catalans seemed to be searching for their attacking identity, Atletico’s attacks looked fluid and deadly. Continuous pressure from the visitors eventually helped them take the lead . Juanfran played though Saul who jumped past the slipping Jordi Alba and had plenty of time to find a receiver for his cross. His pass found the wide open Koke and with no defender in sight the midfielder could pick his spot and send the visitors in front.
The hosts shrugged off after conceding the goal and started to press for an equalizer . First, in the 29th minute Iniesta played a one-two with an Atletico defender before sending a perfect pass to the middle to Suarez, who wasted no time in sending a good shot on goal, but Jan Oblak produced an even better save.
The very next minute Barça showcased some brilliant ball movement in attack, first attacking down the right side and later changing sides. There Neymar sent a through ball to Jordi Alba who didn’t panic. He waited for an opening to get the ball to Messi who was in a good position and made no mistake in tying the game.
Atletico reacted well to conceding, launching a quick attack from the ensuing kickoff, but Barcelona managed to fend off the pressure and just eight minutes later Barcelona were in front. Dani Alves sent a perfect long-ball over the defense to Suarez who was able to control the ball and beat Oblak.
Down by a goal , the visitors were in further trouble as Diego Godin picked up his second yellow and was shown the marching order . Atletico was reduced to 9 men as Filipe Luis earned a direct red card for sticking his studs into Messi’s knee seconds before halftime.
One would’ve expected that Barcelona, playing with a two-man advantage, would mean a continuous onslaught on goal, but that was not the case. Barcelona were attacking, but with little to no urgency and there was always a pass or two too many. This resulted in a heart-pounding final stretch of the game as just one lucky bounce or good play would’ve left Barcelona without a win. But that did not happen and Barcelona were able to leave the pitch with three points and in sole possession of the La Liga lead.