Madrid: Barcelona climbed four points clear at the top of La Liga after a commanding 3-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday (IST), delivering one of their most complete performances under Hansi Flick this season.
At a partially renovated Camp Nou, goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres overturned an early strike from Alex Baena, ending Atletico’s 13-match unbeaten run in the league. The victory marked Barcelona’s fifth straight La Liga win and provided a major confidence boost following recent inconsistent displays.
Real Madrid, who sit second, will look to close the gap when they face Athletic Bilbao later on Wednesday.
Flick Praises “Next Step” in Barca’s Progress
Speaking after the match, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his team showed clear signs of improvement.
“This was one of our best matches… the next step forward,” Flick said. “We are coming back to our best level.”
Barcelona came into the match with growing nerves after a heavy 3-0 Champions League loss to Chelsea and a shaky league win over Alaves. The absence of Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong and other long-term injuries added further pressure.
Match Summary: Barca Respond After Early Shock
Atletico struck first when Alex Baena latched onto a long pass behind Barca’s high defensive line and finished calmly past Joan Garcia. Although the assistant referee flagged for offside, VAR confirmed Baena was level with Pau Cubarsi and the goal stood.
Barcelona responded quickly. Pedri, returning from injury and dictating the tempo, slipped a perfect through-ball to Raphinha, who rounded Jan Oblak and scored the equaliser in the 26th minute.
The hosts had the chance to take the lead before halftime, but Robert Lewandowski fired a penalty over the bar after a foul on Dani Olmo. Oblak later denied Lewandowski with a superb save from close range.
Olmo and Torres Complete Barca’s Comeback
Barcelona pushed forward after the break and were rewarded when Dani Olmo fired home to make it 2-1, with Lewandowski battling to keep the ball alive in the buildup.
Olmo was substituted shortly after scoring due to a shoulder injury, and Pedri also left the field fatigued in the second half.
Atletico’s best chance to equalise came from substitute Thiago Almada, but he failed to keep his balance and dragged his shot wide.
In stoppage time, Alejandro Balde set up Ferran Torres, who sealed the 3-1 victory and dealt a blow to Atletico’s title ambitions.
Reactions
Raphinha highlighted the importance of the win:
“We’re building confidence game by game. These three points can be decisive in the title race.”
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak admitted Barcelona were the better side:
“Barca were superior. We had chances to equalise, but they finished the game in the last minute.”
Coach Diego Simeone said he was satisfied with his players’ effort despite the defeat:
“We competed well but lacked efficiency in front of goal.”
