Maybe Diego Simeone has changed the style of Atletico Madrid lately, but the derby against Barcelona brought everything that has graced his team and him for years...
"Colconeros" survived enormous pressure on "Montjuica", they defended like in the glory days, but they leave the capital of Catalonia with a huge three points: Barcelona - Atletico 1:2.
The team from the capital of Spain, with Alexander Serlot's goal in the 96th minute, shocked Barca, registered their 12th triumph in a row and ended 2024 at the top of La Liga.
Although Barca entered the derby after a shocking defeat against Leganes, and Atlético after a series of victories, the home team dominated practically from the first minute...
Hansi Flik's team had possession, created chances, but only one of them was perfect - in the 30th minute when hit Pedri after pulling the ball well, and then crowning a super assist from Gavi.
"Blaugrana" continued to press after that, and in the second half, Rafinja masterfully lobbed Jan Oblak, but the super goal was stopped by the crossbar...
And when it seemed that the "kolćoneros" were "on the ropes", Atlético showed in their own way how hard it was "dying".
Rodrigo de Paul started the action, he played Julián Alvarez, who threw into the penalty area, and Mark Casado attractively like his teammate Gavi "postponed" the ball, but for the wrong player - De Paul scored a great goal to make it 1:1.
Barca had plenty of chances after that, but Oblak once again showed why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and Serlot's goal came after a counterattack in the last moments of the match.
Nahuel Molina crossed from the right, and The Norwegian took advantage of the mistakes of the home team's defense and knocked the ball into the net - for muk on the hill above Barcelona.
Bonus video:
