Barcelona took an enormous step nearer to retaining their LaLiga title after claiming a 2-1 win at 10-man Atlético Madrid to take full benefit of Real Madrid‘s slipup earlier on Saturday.
Robert Lewandowski scored an 87th-minute winner for Hansi Flick’s facet to safe the win after Marcus Rashford had canceled out Giuliano Simeone‘s opener for the house facet on the finish of the primary half.
Atlético performed all the second half down a person after Nicolás González was crimson carded deep into first-half stoppage time.
Barcelona defender Gerard Martin then had a crimson card early within the second half controversially overturned, and the guests ultimately took benefit.
It was revenge for Barcelona after a 4-0 loss on the identical stadium within the Copa del Rey, whereas the perimeters will even conflict within the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Barcelona’s sixth straight league win takes them seven factors away from Real Madrid with eight video games remaining after their nice rivals suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Mallorca.
Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP through Getty Images
Atletico have misplaced three in a row in all tournaments and stayed one level behind third-placed Villarreal, who go to Girona on Monday.
Diego Simeone’s facet had made the breakthrough within the thirty ninth minute, with Clement Lenglet’s lofted move taken down expertly by Simeone, who then fired previous Joan García.
It took Barcelona simply three minutes to drag degree as Rashford confirmed his class on the left, taking part in a one-two with Olmo earlier than sending a shot by Musso’s legs.
The sport then swung within the visiting facet’s favour in stoppage time when González was despatched off for scything down Lamine Yamal on the sting of the world.
The referee initially gave a second yellow card however modified that to a straight crimson after reviewing the incident.
Parity in numbers appeared to have been restored within the opening minute of the second half after Martin noticed crimson for planting his studs on Thiago Almada’s ankle.
But VAR once more got here into play and the referee modified his choice to a yellow card, drawing a livid response from Atletico gamers and employees.
Yamal was on the middle of all the things as Barcelona looked for the aim that might put them in entrance, whereas Ferran Torres was twice denied by Musso.
But the keeper was ultimately overwhelmed within the 88th minute when he may solely push out Joao Cancelo’s strike onto Lewandowski, who bundled it in.
PA contributed to this report.
