atlético madrid - barcelona
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Flick's men overturned Atleti's deficit in twenty minutes, a game that Cholo's men were winning 2-0 in the 70th minute. The red-and-whites are out of La Liga and the Champions League
It was a game for La Liga and redemption . A victory that would make Atleti forget that defeat to Madrid in the Champions League, and the anger and frustration left by Julián's disallowed penalty. Four days later, everyone was in the same place, but this time against Barça. Winning was that "we're here" Mono Burgos said in that announcement, now emerging from the pain. But not this time either. The week of bruises continued on Sunday. Because Barça was another blow. A tough one.
Simeone barely played his starting eleven. The same as before, save for a few tweaks: Le Normand for Giménez and Lino for Gallagher. Up front, Casadó came on for an unwell De Jong, maintaining Flick's signature style : high pressure and a drive for the ball. Barça occupied the entire pitch against a slumping Atleti, with Lamine playing tag with Reinildo. The first time he got away, he left Oblak with his picture on the swaying woodwork after running, playing a one-two with Olmo, and pulling off a curling shot with his boot that was looking for the net. But the ball kissed the post before going wide. Atleti's attack had been a brief sprint from Griezmann, reminding him that he is Griezmann, and not the shadow of recent days, which Giuliano finished off with a high shot. The Rojiblancos' heads seemed to weigh a fortune, especially De Paul's. Barça danced on their losses . The music would stop after fifteen minutes, however.
