Atletico Madrid got the better of Barcelona in one of the biggest matches of the La Liga season. The champions of Spain netted two goals, and the visitors had no reply, continuing their dreadful form after a 3-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League.
Thomas Lemar opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, shooting the ball into the top right corner to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets were then seen debating about who was marking the Frenchman.
Luis Suarez scored the second goal of the game, as Thomas Lemar was played into space on the break by Joao Felix. The Rojiblancos pulled off a brilliant counter attacking goal against Barcelona, with Suarez netting against his former club. The Uruguayan refrained from celebrating against his former club, and kept the positive display to a minimum.
Ronald Koeman was banned from the sideline after being sent off against Levante. His presence on the sideline possibly contributed to the loss, especially with the players being unable to make the most of the 75% of possession that they enjoyed.
The lineup fielded by the Blaugrana was questionable to say the least. Gavi was given a start ahead of Ansu Fati and Yusuf Demir. 19-year-old Nico Gonzalez was also started in defensive midfield with Frenkie de Jong being deployed in an unusual wider role.
Barcelona are now in 9th place while Atletico Madrid join their city rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
