Lead by a strong Lewandowski, who was directly involved in all three goals, FC Barcelona triumphed at Atletico Madrid. Even the sending off of coach Xavi made no difference to the Catalans’ away win
Both Atletico and FC Barcelona could hardly have been more confident ahead of their head-to-head clash. While the hosts had beaten Inter Milan in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday, FC Barcelona had also made it through to the quarter-finals by beating Napoli 3-1 in the second leg the day before.
Although coach Diego Simeone replaced the injured Hermoso (not in the squad) and the two veterans Koke and Griezmann (both on the bench), Atletico got up a good head of steam in the opening minutes and were more determined. Riquelme narrowly missed out on an early lead for the home side, for whom Reinildo, Barrios and Riquelme were allowed to start (7th).
The Madrilenians continued to dominate the game from then on, while Barcelona rarely found a way in front of goal. Meanwhile, head coach Xavi once again relied on his own youngsters at the sold-out Civitas Metropolitano, although 16-year-old Lamine Yamal was only on the bench for the time being. He was replaced by Atletico loanee Joao Felix, who slipped into the first eleven along with 17-year-old Fort and Sergi Roberto. As Christensen felt unwell during the warm-up, Fermin also replaced the Dane – Joao Cancelo was missing from the squad
Joa Felix of all people opens for Barca – Xavi is sent off
As time went on, the Catalans got into the game better and better – and ushered in a turbulent final phase of the first half. After Joao Felix first failed to beat Oblak (37′), the Portuguese of all people finally scored the important 1:0 in the 38th minute. But that was not all: despite taking the lead, Xavi loudly voiced his displeasure at the referee’s decisions on several occasions, first seeing yellow (41′) and then being sent off just two minutes later (43′).
Barca dominate after the break
Even without Xavi on the sidelines, Barcelona were immediately convincing after the restart and made it 2-0 straight away. Raphinha played a through ball to Lewandowski, who took a technically demanding shot from a turn and scored his 13th goal of the season with the help of the inside of the left-hand post (47′).
While the visitors were then able to rely on their strong goalkeeper ter Stegen on several occasions, they continued to be efficient in front of the Atletico goal. Lewandowski’s pinpoint cross, his third goal of the game, was headed in by Fermin, who only had to nod home under no pressure from his opponent (65′).
Molina’s emergency brake as a negative Atletico final point
The Madrilenians put up little compelling resistance in the closing stages, with only substitute Correa showing any wit in attack. However, as the Argentine also lacked the necessary precision, nothing stood in the way of Barcelona’s away win. To make matters worse, Molina was shown a straight red for an emergency stop on joker Vitor Roque in the second minute of stoppage time
Barca will have the chance to secure their fourth win in a row after the international break on March 30, when UD Las Palmas visit Barcelona (9pm). Two days later, the Madrilenians face FC Villarreal away from home (9 p.m.) – and are under pressure: because Bilbao have moved past them and are now fourth, Simeone’s team will only have to chase the Champions League places for the time being
