The game of the week has undoubtedly been Atlético de Madrid against Barcelona FC. However, it was a game with great absences. The most important, the loss of Luis Suárez due to positive coronavirus, like his partner Lucas Torreira. The Uruguayan has missed the first derby after being signed by Atlético. Héctor Herrera has returned injured after his commitments with the Mexican national team.
Barça has also arrived in low hours and with some injured players, although they have been able to recover Coutinho. The loss of Ansu Fati is joined by Sergi Busquets, injured during the UEFA Nations League.
Carrasco ahead of Atlético in the discount of the first half
Both teams have entered the field of the game warriors. The first minutes of the game have been heart-stopping. Barça had their first chance of danger in minute 3 with a shot from former Atlético Griezmann. Atlético was not long in counterattacking, but Ter Stegen’s steel wall prevented them from scoring a goal.
Pressure, control and opportunities have marked the first part of the game. A few minutes from the end of the first half, Yannick Carrasco scored a goal that went ahead and left Koeman’s team touched. An untimely action by Gerard Piqué and Ter Stegen advanced, provoked the first goal of Simeone’s men.
Gerard Piqué injured
Atlético de Madrid needed to maintain the result and win three points, very important for the championship and to put pressure on Real Madrid who drew against Villarreal. Atlético de Madrid remains undefeated in LaLiga. Intensity and pressure has marked the game of the rojiblancos in the second half and they have been much superior.
Koeman has not only lost to Atlético, he has also lost one of the most important men on the team, Piqué. The Catalan defender, sunk, left the field with a serious knee injury and Sergiño Dest came in to replace him.
Simeone’s players have continued to press against a disoriented Barcelona. And in the 73rd minute, Carrasco had a clear scoring opportunity. Barça’s last chance to tie the game was in the 89th minute with an incredible shot by Sergi Roberto that miraculously missed Oblak’s goal. Atlético won Barcelona.
Data sheet
Atlético de Madrid: Oblak, Trippier, Savic, Giménez, Hermoso; Llorente, Koke, Saúl, Carrasco; Correa and Joao Félix.
Barça: Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembélé, Messi, Pedri and Griezmann.
Goal: Carrasco (min. 45 +3, 1-0)
Referee: Munuera Montero.
