Moments in big games do matter. Has the Spanish LaLiga title race been decided already? Match-week nineteen in the Spainish LaLiga took center stage today, December 21, 2024 as FC Barcelona were at home to Atletico Madrid.
Prior to the clash between two side who were sharing same points yet, FC Barcelona was made to occupy the first spot as their goal difference was eighteen as against Atletico Madrid who were in a goal deficit as compared to Barca’s.
Clearly, the stakes were very high since the likes of Real Madrid who were occupying the third best team in the league standings had keen interest regarding the much anticipated outcome of the game.
Now, FC Barcelona knowing that they are the home team were really enjoying the chunk of the ball possession, orchestrating numerous offences in the attacking third of the opponent during the first-half of the game whiles Atletico were only holding onto not loosing their focus.
Yet, Barcelona on the 30th minute of the first-half action secured the lead they deserved at the time; a sumptuous link up play from two La-Masia graduate, Gavi’s sublime pass found no other person than Pedri who did not hesitate to bring joy to the home fans.
The second-half got initiated by the referee and after seven minutes into the game, the manager of Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone subbed off Gimenez for Axel Witsel to breathe in more fresh air into his midfield and that decision was spot as after eight minute, Rodrigo de Paul found the enviable equalizing goal for Madrid.
More changes were initiated by both managers as the game progressed steadily, however, a 73rd change by Simeone, which subbed on a center-forward, Sorloth for an attacking-midfielder, Griezman to be benched caused the gigantic havoc to Barcelona in order to clutch the enviable win for his side.
On the sixth minute of additional time, Molina wiped in a pinpoint pass which was met by Sorloth for him to do the need of burying it behind the net for Atletico Madrid to take the 1-2 final results.
What’s more, Atletico Madrid are now top of the LaLiga league table having accumulated 41 points in eighteen games with an outstanding game to spare meanwhile, second place FC Barcelona are now on 38 points after nineteen games played in the league.
Excerpts from Diego Simeone’s post-match press conference:
Diego Simeone after guiding his team to brush away FC Barcelona to go top of the LaLiga table iterated that, “today is my dad’s birthday, he passed away two years ago… it is a nice present for him, for sure.”
Excerpts from Hansi Flick post-match press conference:
FC Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick after his side loosing to Atletico Madrid claimed that,”we played exactly as want to see. That’s the style I want here at Barca. I’m sad for the result as loosing 9 points at home is not normal… but performance, it was great. That’s how I want the team to play.”
