Party Context
The match was part of Matchday 28 of the EA Sports 2024-2025 LaLiga. Barcelona arrived with high morale after a strong performance in the Champions League against Benfica, while Atlético was trying to recover from their elimination in that same competition, which was plagued by controversy due to a penalty. Both teams were fighting for first place, with Barça and Real Madrid tied on 60 points, and Atlético having 56 after this match.
Starting Lineups
Atlético de Madrid (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
- Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, Reinildo Mandava
- Midfielders: Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, Samuel Lino
- Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez
- Coach: Diego Pablo Simeone
FC Barcelona (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde
- Midfielders: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
- Coach: Hansi Flick
Match Summary: Goals and Assists
The match began with Atlético dominating, surprising Barcelona with two early goals, but the Catalans responded with a spectacular comeback led by their attacking trident.
- 1-0 (Atlético) – Julián Álvarez (min. 5)
- Assist: Antoine Griezmann
- Description: A quick move after a steal in midfield. Griezmann slipped a pass into space for Álvarez, who finished with precision past Szczesny.
- 2-0 (Atletico) – Alexander Sørloth (min. 12)
- Assistance: Rodrigo De Paul
- Description: Sørloth, who came off the bench early due to an injury to Giuliano Simeone, capitalized on a precise cross from De Paul after a dizzying transition.
- 2-1 (Barcelona) – Robert Lewandowski (min. 25)
- Assistance: Lamine Yamal
- Description: Yamal broke down the right flank and delivered a low cross that Lewandowski finished with his first touch, reducing the deficit.
- 2-2 (Barcelona) – Ferran Torres (min. 38)
- Assistance: Raphinha
- Description: Raphinha led a counterattack, passing to Torres, who cleverly slotted past Oblak to level the score.
- 2-3 (Barcelona) – Ferran Torres (min. 62)
- Assistance: Pedri
- Description: Pedri broke the lines with a through ball, and Torres finished with a cross shot, consolidating the comeback.
- 2-4 (Barcelona) – Lamine Yamal (min. 78)
- Assist: Frenkie de Jong
- Description: De Jong recovered a ball in the middle and set up Yamal, who with a masterful dribble and a left-footed shot into the corner closed out the match.
Technical and Tactical Analysis
Atlético de Madrid
- Starting lineup: Simeone opted for his classic 4-4-2, seeking defensive solidity and quick transitions with Griezmann and Álvarez up front. The initial high pressure threw Barça off balance, allowing two early goals.
- Strengths: Julián Álvarez’s mobility and Griezmann’s ability to link up constantly created danger. Sørloth provided physical presence after coming on.
- Weaknesses: The defense collapsed after the 2-0 lead. Reinildo struggled with Yamal, and the Le Normand-Lenglet duo showed a lack of coordination against the pace of the Barça side. The midfield lacked intensity after the first half, leaving spaces for Pedri and De Jong to exploit.
FC Barcelona
- Starting lineup: Flick maintained his dynamic, upfront 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and pressing after losing possession. The Yamal-Lewandowski-Raphinha trio was key.
- Strengths: The comeback after the 2-0 deficit showed character and integrity. Yamal constantly disrupted the game on the right, Pedri controlled the pace in midfield, and the defensive intensity of Cubarsí and Koundé neutralized Atlético in the second half.
- Weaknesses: A shaky start exposed weaknesses in the ball’s play, with De Jong and Olmo overpowered in the opening minutes. Szczesny also showed some hesitation with the first goal.
Keys to the Match
- Barça’s comeback: Barça adjusted their pressure and found space on the wings, especially on the right side with Yamal and Koundé.
- Physical wear and tear: Atlético failed to maintain their initial intensity, and changes (such as the departure of De Paul for Giménez) failed to stem the Blaugrana’s momentum.
- Individual errors: Oblak failed to stop key shots, and Reinildo was exposed by Yamal’s quality.
Controversial Plays
- Possible penalty not called (min. 20):
- Lamine Yamal went down in the penalty area after contact with Reinildo. Referee De Burgos Bengoetxea didn’t signal anything, and VAR didn’t intervene. The Catalans appealed for a clear foul.
- 2-1 goal disputed (min. 25):
- Atlético de Madrid protested a potential foul by Raphinha on Llorente in the play that led to Lewandowski’s goal. The action was reviewed and upheld.
- Foul in 2-2 (min. 38):
- The Colchoneros claimed that Torres pushed Lenglet before scoring. The referee awarded the goal, sparking controversy.
Statements from Players and Coaches
- Diego Simeone (Atlético):
“We started very well, but we lacked the necessary sustain. Barça has quality and punished us in transition. We need to correct our mistakes, but the team showed spirit until the end.” - Hansi Flick (Barcelona):
“It was a tough match. They surprised us early on, but the team’s reaction was spectacular. Yamal and Lewandowski are playing at an incredibly high level. This gives us confidence for what’s coming up.” - Lamine Yamal (Barcelona):
“We knew we could come back. The team believed in us throughout. I’m happy with the goal and the assist, but the important thing is the three points.” - Julián Álvarez (Atlético):
“It hurts to lose like this after starting 2-0 down. They took advantage of our lapses in concentration. We have to keep our heads up.”
World Newspaper Covers
- Brand (Spain):
- “Yamal leads Barça’s epic comeback at the Metropolitano (2-4)”
- Photo of Yamal celebrating his goal.
- Sport (Spain):
- “Champion’s comeback! Barça crushes Atlético”
- Image of the Barça trident celebrating.
- The Team (France):
- «Barcelone return to Atlético in a match four (2-4)»
- Lewandowski and Yamal’s performances are noteworthy.
- The Guardian (UK):
- «Barcelona’s Yamal shines in thrilling 4-2 comeback against Atlético»
- Emphasis on the young Barça star.
- Olé (Argentina):
- “Julián wasn’t enough: Barça came from behind to thrash Atlético”
- He highlights Álvarez’s goal, but regrets the defeat.
Memes of the Day
- «Yamal vs. Reinildo»:
- An image of Yamal haggling with Reinildo, captioned: “When you go for bread and meet a magician .” It circulated widely in X.
- «Simeone and the 2-0»:
- A photo of a serious Cholo with the caption: “When you start 2-0 up but forget to defend .” It went viral among Barça fans.
- Oblak in the second half:
- Gif of a colander with the phrase: “Oblak watching Barça’s goals go by .” Widely shared after the match.
Extended Analysis
The match showed two very different sides. Atlético demonstrated their ability to advance and take advantage of their opponents’ mistakes, true to Simeone’s style, but their lack of defensive solidity and physical exhaustion took their toll. On the other hand, Barcelona displayed great resilience and individual quality, with Yamal brilliantly unbalancing the game. Barça’s victory strengthens their title bid, while Atlético will have to rethink their strategy to avoid being caught out.
