Barcelona headed to the Metropolitano – again – in the hope of a Champions League comeback against Atletico Madrid, and whilst unlikely, it wasn’t impossible.
Not quite a remontada in the PSG mould, it would still take a monumental performance to progress to the semi-finals at the Rojiblanco’s expense, given that they’d not lost a Champions League knockout tie at home since Ajax defeated them in the 1996/97 campaign.
Their record of 14 knockout wins and seven draws thereafter was an ominous statistic
for Barca, though the Catalans hadn’t lost before last week’s first leg since they went down 4-0 to Atleti in the Copa del Rey, winning nine games and drawing the other.
With history against them, all culers could ask of the players is that they gave their all in their quest to play against either Arsenal or Sporting.
Let’s take a look at three talking points from the game…
Brilliant tactical nous from Flick
Putting Gavi alongside Pedri to allow Barca to dominate a number of the midfield exchanges was a simple, but very effective, tactical change from Hansi Flick.
With Atleti no doubt expecting the usual 4-3-3 formation from the Catalans, confusion reigned particularly in the hosts’ defence in the early stages.
Each Barca player played their part to perfection, and the two-goal lead that they held before Ademola Lookman’s finish was certainly no more than they deserved.
Passing and movement were sensational, and the freedom with which Barca played, particularly in the first half, despite the evident pressure, will have come from the top.
Brave. Brilliant.
Defending from the front
Time to doff one’s cap to the likes of Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal for the way in which they continued to make life difficult for Atleti’s back line throughout the game.
Incessant running and hunting down their direct opponent at every opportunity meant that Atleti’s raiding was kept to a minimum, and in general terms, the hosts had to resort to the long ball.
Arguably, it was a different sort of performance required from the front men, and showed that, when required, they’re able to seamlessly adopt that way of working, and be disciplined enough for it to be successful.
Contentious UEFA refereeing
Where do you start with this one?!
Though Ferran Torres’ volleyed finish deserved to stand, one can accept that he was in an offside position. However, there is no doubt that Barca were denied a definite penalty for a push on Dani Olmo in the first half.
A push that was a lot heavier than the slight touch Eric Garcia gave Alexander Sorloth, to see the striker fall down like he’d been shot.
Even then, Jules Kounde was well within range to have tackled the striker, and yet no thought was given to the Frenchman’s positioning.
Plenty of other fouls were either given against the Catalans or not given when they’d been fouled, and whilst it’s too strong to be starting on conspiracy theories, let’s just say that Barca didn’t really get the rub of the green from the officials on the night.
