Ferran Torres struck late in the first half to earn Barcelona a 1-0 victory over third-placed Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Victory helped the home side tighten their grip on top spot as they moved a step closer to their 27th La Liga title. With eight games remaining, Barça have 76 points and an 11-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, while Atlético remain third on 60 points.
Barca ended Atléti’s 13-game unbeaten league run thanks to a goal on the counter in the 44th minute and a fine performance by Marc-André ter Stegen. The German keeper made spectacular reflex saves from strikes by Antoine Griezmann, one in each half.
“The team worked well, the fans supported us and we won, that’s what matters,” Torres told Movistar Plus. “This victory gives us a lot of confidence going forward. Atlético were on a good run and in good shape, so that makes this win even more important for us.”
Barcelona, who had struggled in their last three matches in all competitions without scoring, were dominated by Atlético early in the game. The visitors, who were on a six-game winning streak, sent the first warning early as Griezmann took advantage of poor control by Sergio Busquets on the edge of the area and unleashed an angled shot that crashed against the crossbar.
Barça gradually became more aggressive and took control of the game, with striker Robert Lewandowski wasting two great chances midway through the first half. Just as Barcelona looked in full control, Atlético almost scored on a counter-attack led by Yannick Carrasco who ran down the left and put in a low cross for Griezmann, whose close-range strike was brilliantly stopped by Ter Stegen.
Xavi’s side got what proved to be the winner when Raphinha controlled a long ball down the right channel and crossed to the edge of the area, where Torres calmly slotted past Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
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It was an entertaining match after the break with both teams missing several chances, including another outstanding save by Ter Stegen from a Griezmann strike and a sitter missed by Lewandowski when he was one-on-one with Oblak.
Sid Lowe’s weekly column will be published on Thursday this week
