Late Messi strike hands Barcelona narrow win over Atleti
Our team completed a good match at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, but fell in the final minutes of the clash.
Atleti lost 1-0 against Barcelona despite a strong performance on Sunday following a late goal from Messi.
Our team started the game well at an electric Wanda Metropolitano as the rain poured down from the Madrid sky. It didn’t take long for the first chance to arrive: Mario Hermoso’s shot was deflected by Junior Firpo on to the post. The Spanish defender had another massive chance a few minutes later, but was denied by an outstanding ter Stegen save. The chances kept coming and Herrera struck just wide around 25 minutes in. Our team’s first half hour was exceptional, but we were yet to find the opener. Barcelona also had one shot on goal inside that period, but Rakitic’s strike was denied by Oblak. We were once again extremely close to taking the lead in the 40th minute as Morata headed a Trippier cross, but ter Stegen was again responded with an extraordinary save. The away team answered with a header of their own that struck the crossbar, this time through Piqué. We reached half-time shortly thereafter following a cracking first half.
Our first big chance after the break came some 10 minutes in. A great counter attack from the lads ended with Thomas making his way into the box, but was dispossessed in the last second. Barça struck back with a break of their own, but Oblak was there to deny Suárez. Simeone made his first substitution of the game soon after that, bringing Vitolo on for Joao Félix. Lemar then came on for Correa. As the second half progressed, Barcelona started to make their way towards Oblak’s box. And in the 85th minute, although Atleti had been the best side on the pitch and created the most chances, Messi struck from outside the box to hand his team the three points.
