FC Barcelona remains the measure of all things in the Spanish La Liga even after the top game against Atletico Madrid. But an exceptionally weak penalty from Robert Lewandowski also caused more tension than necessary in the 3-1 (1-1) win.
It sounds strange, but in Spain it is completely normal for the four teams that will play for the Supercopa on January 10th to meet several weeks beforehand for their games on matchday 19. In this case, Barca and Atletico went first before the other two qualified teams, Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid, played their early duel on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Raphinha quickly counterattacks after the Baena goal
The “Royals” gave Barca a little extra motivation for the game against Real’s city rivals on Sunday. After the 1-1 draw at Girona FC, coach Hansi Flick’s team had regained the lead in the table, but initially seemed to be in danger against Atletico. The Madrilenians caused problems for the hosts from the start and thanks to Alex Baena, this was also noticeable on the scoreboard in the 19th minute.
After a through ball, the midfielder stormed freely towards Barca keeper Joan Garcia and beat him with a chip ball. Initially the goal was disallowed because it was supposedly offside, but according to the video images it counted. However, the lead didn’t last long, after great preparatory work by Pedri, Raphinha equalized for the Catalans (26th).
Lewandowski between a bad penalty and a nice assist
Baena then missed the great opportunity to take the Atleti lead again, this time Garcia won the private duel against the 24-year-old (32nd). On the other hand, the video evidence intervened again, there was a penalty for Barca after a foul on Dani Olmo – but Robert Lewandowski didn’t just miss, the Pole chased the ball meters over the goal (37th).
Shortly afterwards, Jan Oblak made a strong save to prevent Lewandowski from scoring (38′). The striker’s future in Barcelona (his contract is expiring) has been a big topic in recent weeks; the ex-Bundesliga snapper is repeatedly viewed critically in Spain because of his old age. However, he showed that the 37-year-old still has it when he scored the hosts’ opening goal when he hit Olmo with his heel (65′).
Yamal misses the decision and Almada the equalizer
Shortly afterwards, the third goal was only centimeters away, Lamine Yamal flicked the ball just past the goal (68th). But the guests also had more chances, but Thiago Almada missed the 2-2 after a great solo shot past the empty box (79th).
In stoppage time, Ferran Torres gave his team the decision with his goal for the final score (90+6), and Flick was also relieved as he celebrated. It was Barca’s fifth league win in a row. However, the evening was much more exciting than it should have been. That was also due to Lewandowski’s penalty faux pas.