FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Match Review

FC Barcelona 2 - 1 Atletico Madrid

FC Barcelona return from international break with a rather important match against Atletico Madrid. The best part about it, they are set to face them three times within the next 11 days including this match. An idea floating around was that since Atletico had already conceded La Liga's title to Barca or Madrid, they would not go full intensity and instead prepare for the two legs of the Champions League. However, Simeone is not one to shy away from a fight, instead Atletico came out with their trademarked high intensity press and work rate from the first whistle. Barcelona's lineup of having Dani Olmo at the false 9, was a tacting I enjoyed seeing and one that worked well. At times, he did stray far from the space the 9 is supposed to take up but it was replaced with quick build up play between Lamine Yamal, Fermine, and Rashford.

When Rashford was initially brought on loan I was excited to see if he could develop and reignite the offensive prowess he once had. However, his inconsistency and tenacity at goal over the season has been lackluster. However, this match I saw a side of Rashford emerge, he was fighting to take players on and more importantly decisive. Previously it had felt as if when he got the ball he was unsure if he wanted to take a shot on goal, pass or dribble, and was dispossessed quite easily. This match he had his sights on dribbling, taking players on, and connecting with teammates. It seemed that he was overthinking less and focused on using his speed and dribbling to his advatange. This season we have had to rely on Lamine on the right for creation, especially when Raphinha was out, but if Rashford can pose an attacking threat it can help stretch the defenders across the field, allowing for more space for the Barcelona players to take up.

A quick note on the Barcelona captain, Ronald Araujo, I understand that he has many great qualities: speed, strength and versatality in postion, but his techincal play and composure is quite frustrating to see at times. Not only in this match, but across the last few years, there are chances to bring the ball down, and build out but instead it's either cleared incorrectly or kicked to the other team. Barcelona needs Araujo to slow down and think more clearly about his actions on the pitch because its what has led them to not proceed in multiple champions league stages and cup matches across the last few seasons.

The Barcelona high line is indredibly frustrating to watch, I understand it worked in the season prior but as we have seen against strong and quick teams, it begins to fail. I understand the Cruyff principle of total football, and his saying of "I'd rather win 5-4, than 1-0." However, the Barcelona defenders need to be much more on alert than they currently are. They aren't getting caught out through intricate runs or build up play, they are getting beat over slightly held runs down the middle. Griezmann cannot be through on goal just by curling his run through the left and centre-back. Simeone had the same exact run adn got a lofted ball over the top, creating a shot on goal, and ultimately a goal. I'm okay with Barcelona getting scored on in the pursuit of high scoring game but they need their defensive to step up and give them a shot to keep the game close until then.

Lamine Yamal just keeps getting better and better, its hard to fathom how someone can be a top 3 player in the world at just 18 years of age. This match Yamal had no problems taking players on, creating the build up play and even creating big chances all on his own. The play the stood out to me was when he received the ball on the touchline proceeded to meg the defender and launch an absolute dot with the outside of his left foot to Fermin. His creative vison has matured since he came onto the scene. He's realized he doesn't need to drive to the corner flag taking on 4 players to create a big chance. We have to give him his flowers because it's truly crazy to see someone so young perform at this high of a level.

The disrespect on Joao Cancelo has been real even from first stint at Barcelona, people often critiquing him for offensive heavy player and a defesive liability. While I will say there is some truth to that, his playstyle matches what Hansi Flick has been looking for. A lateral player that can carry the ball, be part of the build up, overlap, and create opportunities for the team in the final third. He was integral in the win tonight, and the argument has always been that against big teams, he'll fail, and time will tell, but he's performed today.

Now, let's talk about this Gerard Martin foul, I've been hearing so many people complain the red card was overturned. These are the same people who argue the world of soccer has gone soft over the last 10 years, and they miss the old intensity, and when they get the smallest glimpse of that intensity, it's a straight red? I can agree that its a yellow, contact is made with stud to opposing players boots, but let's be real, he attempted to clear the ball hard and made secondary contact, the intent wasn't to maim his foot. Same way in the past Atletico game, the foul on Balde's ankle wasn't a yellow, this wasn't a red.

As I've stated before, Ferran needs to bring his scoring ability up to par for a Barcelona 9. It's getting a bit frustrating at this point, he leads with one of the most missed big chances in La Liga. I understand Barcelona is in first, but like Thierry Henry explained, Pep Guardiola talked to him about his lackluster performance even when Barcelona was at the top of the league. Now, Ferran Torres is no Henry, but the principle stands, he needs to better his scoring ability, because in scoreless matches he needs to show up.

Overall, the match carried a very fast and heavy workload on the players, and another three points were secured in the title race. Lots of people are suggesting this could lead to a morale blow for Atletico in the upcoming champions league game, I think they are wrong. If anything they'll be more determined to win the next match and prove that they are better than Barcelona.

Player Ratings

Joan Garcia: 9/10

Gerard Martin: 7/10

Cubarsi: 8/10

Cancelo: 8/10

Araujo: 6/10

Eric Garcia: 7/10

Pedri: 8/10

Lamine: 8/10

Fermin: 7/10

Rashford: 9/10

Olmo: 8/10

Lewandowski: 8/10

Ferran: 7/10

Kounde: 6/10

Gavi: 7/10

Bernal: 7/10