Just for 90 minutes, FC Barcelona fans might have thought that their team is still in their prime after watching the game against Atletico Madrid. Under Xavi, they dominated the game very well and also, when they were down to 10 men after Dani Alves conceded the red card.
The two sides came into this match in fifth and fourth place respectively in LaLiga, with Atletico just one point ahead in the final Champions League place.
Barcelona controlled the game, and as a result, Atletico Madrid conceded four goals in LaLiga for the first time since December 2012.
The game was already heated up even before it started as both the managers had a verbal war in the media conference. Diego Simeone criticised Xavi about Barcelona’s way of playing football, and he challenged the former midfielder to present a better game on the pitch.
Xavi made the statement in the game after winning it 4-2 in Camp Nou.
Atletico Madrid took the lead at Camp Nou in the eighth minute after the goal from Yannick Carrasco as he finished off following a pass from Luis Suarez.
The reaction was quick from Barcelona. Within two minutes, they equalised after a stylish volley from Jordi Alba. The goal gave an extra boost to Barca, as they started to make the game difficult for the opponents. Xavi’s side then took the lead on 21 minutes with Adama Traore, making his second Barca debut following his January arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers, key as he burst past Atletico defender Mario Hermoso before setting up Gavi to head the ball past goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Two minutes before halftime, Barcelona increased their lead through Ronald Araujo. A tap-in after the ball hit the post from the free-kick.
Barca stunned the opponents in the starting minutes of the second half as Alves made it four for Barca on 49 minutes as he lashed the ball home from inside the box to score his first goal since returning to the club.
Luis Suarez returned a goal in the 58th minute with a close-range header. But he did not celebrate with respect to his former club.
Barca lost their concentration for some minutes after Atletico’s second goal after Dani Alves was sent off with a straight red. But the home side managed to defend well and grabbed all three points to reach the top four.
“It was more than a win,” Xavi added. “The fans, the staff, the players… we all needed that. It could be a turning point. It’s a huge win against the reigning champions.”
“We have to keep working hard, it’s been difficult, but we’re turning things around. We’re in the Champions League places now, but we have to keep going with this style of play.”
