Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 1-2 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in La Liga on Saturday to take a three-point lead in the league table, having played a game less than the hosts. Diego Simeone’s side had a very productive second half to turn the game into a victory and be in charge of the league table for the first time this season.
Barcelona, being without their head coach, Hansi Flick, who is suspended, took the lead in the 30th minute after Pedri played a brilliant one-two with Pablo Gavi and then put it past Jan Oblak. Barcelona was very much dominant throughout the game but failed to capitalise on potential opportunities. In the 60th minute, Atletico Madrid equalised with the help of Rodrigo De Paul, who exposed the Blaugrana’s high defensive line before putting it past Inaki Pena.
Jan Oblak was crucial there in making two exceptional saves before the stoppage time winner. Alexander Sorloth capitalised on a swift counterattack to score during the injury time to secure a full three points for the visitor.
Lets have a look at Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid player ratings.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Atletico Madrid
Goalkeeper
Inaki Pena: 5.7/10- Had a very good distribution throughout the game and unfortunately conceded in the final moments of the game to loose at home.
Defenders
Jules Kounde: 6.6/10- The French defender had a fair game with a passing accuracy of 93 percent. He had created an attacking opportunity for his side and was involved in six defensive actions.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.1/10- The 17-year-old defender had a decent game with a passing accuracy of 96 percent. He was solid in the defence as he had won four duels throughout the game.
Inigo Martinez: 7.1/10- He also capped a decent display against Atletico Madrid and had two shots on goal. He was involved in six defensive actions and made four clearances for his side.
Alex Baldde: 7.3/10- The Spanish left back was more focused in defence today as compared to other game. Despite creating multiple attacking opportunities he was involved 10 defensive actions.
Midfielders
Marc Casado: 5.9/10- He was substituted around the 80th minute and had an average game but maintained a 90 percent passing accuracy. He made six recoveries for his side but was not influential in the midfield.
Pedri: 8.3/10- The midfielder had a great game controlling the midfield for the Blaugrana. He had three shots on goal and helped the team in creating four opportunities. Staying ahead of the defence he made 13 recoveries for Barcelona.
Pablo Gavi: 7.2/10- The midfielder stayed on the pitch for 64 minutes and had a decent display. He had a shot on goal and created multiple attacking opportunities maintaining a passing accuracy of 81 percent.
Attackers
Raphinha: 7.9/10- The Brazilian winger maintained a huge pressure from the right side of the pitch against Atletico Madrid. He had five shots on goal and helped in creating four attacking opportunities for his side.
Fermin Lopez: 6.3/10- Had a very ordinary game maintaining 82 percent of passing accuracy. He had a shot on goal and created just one attacking opportunity.
Robert Lewandowski: 6.4/10- Had a normal game in attack as he was not able to be much productive in front of the goal to take full three points for Barcelona. He had five shots on goal.
Substitutes
Dani Olmo: 6.2/10- He was brought on to replace Gavi around the 64th minute. In the 26 minutes he maintained a passing accuracy of 73 percent and had a shot on goal.
Ferran Torres: 6.5/10- The Spanish attacker replaced Fermin Lopez on the pitch and helped his team in creating couple of attacking opportunities.
Eric Garcia: N/A.
Manager
Marcus Sorg: 6/10- In absence of Hansi Flick he did a decent job but was lacked in the clinical ability as they were not able to convert potential opportunities.
Atletico Madrid Player Ratings vs Barcelona
Goalkeeper
Jan Oblak: 8.0/10- The Slovenian goalkeeper had a great game making six save throughout the game. He conceded only one goal and his distribution was also decent.
Defenders
Javi Galan: 7.0/10- The Spanish left-back had a decent game maintaining a passing accuracy of 82 percent. He was involved in five defensive actions and made six recoveries for his side. In total he won seven duels against Barcelona players.
Clement Lenglet: 7.6/10- The former Barcelona player had a good game in defence with 13 defensive actions and eight clearances. He had a shot on goal and made five recoveries for his side.
Jose Gimenez: 6.5/10- He was subbed off around 52nd minute due to injury concerns. He was decent on the pitch after being involved in five defensive actions and four clearances.
Marcos Llorente: 6.9/10- He was substituted around the 73rd minute and had a good game contributing both in defence as well as in attack. He was involved in three defensive actions and amde five recoveries for his side.
Midfielders
Giuliano Simeone: 6.6/10- The Argentine midfielder was there on the pitch for 62 minutes and maintained a passing accuracy of 70 percent. He was involved in just two defensive actions and made three recoveries.
Rodrigo De Paul: 8.0/10- The midfielder had a good game in attack and controlled the game well. He opened the scoring for his team with an effort from outside the box. He was involved in four defensive actions and made five recoveries for Atletico Madrid.
Pablo Barrios: 8.0/10- The Spanish midfielder had a good game in the midfield orchestrating it. He had a shot on goal and created multiple opportunities for his side. He was involved in 13 defensive actions and made four recoveries for his side.
Conor Gallagher: 6.9/10- He was substituted around the 62nd minute and had a decent game on the left side of the midfield. He was involved in five defensive actions and made six recoveries for Atletico Madrid.
Attackers
Antonie Griezmann: 7.0/10- The French attacker was on the pitch for just 73 minutes and was good in creating opportunities for his teammates.
Julian Alvarez: 7.0/10- The former Manchester City forward had a decent game in attack with just one shot in attack. He helped the team in creating chances by being involved in tight spaces.
Substitutes
Alex Witsel: 6.5/10- He was brought on to replace an injured Gimenez around the 52nd minute.
Nahuel Molina: 6.8/10- He came on in place of Simeone around the 62nd minute and he assisted a goal for his side.
Koke: 7.0/10- He was substituted in place of Conor Gallagher in the midfield.
Le Normand: 5.9/10- Around the 73rd minute he came on to replace Marcon Llorente on the pitch and did not have much of an impact.
Alexander Sorloth: 7.5/10- He had a good game in attack and replaced Antonie Griezmann. He scored the winner for his side in stoppage time.
Manager
Diego Simeone: 8/10- The first half was not good for his team but in the second half they came with different intentions. It was a classic Simeone game sitting deep and hitting the opposition in counter.
FAQs
Q. What was the result of Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?
A. Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 1-2.
Q. When was Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?
A. The game kicked-off at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday, December 21 at 8:00 PM GMT.
Q. Who was the man of the match in Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?
A. Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid was the man of the match.
Q. Who was the worst performer in Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?
A. Marc Cassado of Barcelona was the worst performer.