Robert Lewandowsky shined as Barcelona outclassed Atletico Madrid 3-0 to move up to second place in La Liga standings on Sunday night at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Lewandowsky played a pivotal role in the triumph, reigniting their faint hope of winning La Liga title. He not only extended his side’s lead 2-0 just 80 seconds into the second half but also set up goals for Joao Felix and Fermin Lopez.
Raphinsa made a comeback from injury and joined forces with Atletico loanee Joao Felix and Robert Lewandowski in Barcelona. Surprisingly, neither Antoine Griezmann nor Memphis Depay, who had performed well earlier in the week, started for Atletico.
Barcelona started off slowly and almost fell behind when Rodrigo De Paul intercepted a loose pass and set up Pablo Barrios on the edge of the box, but he missed the target.
The host dominated the early part of the game, but the Blaugrana took 1-0 lead in the 38th minute when Lewandowski passed the ball to Felix, who made a quick shot past Jan Oblak, his own team’s goalkeeper.
Shortly before half-time, Barcelona coach Xavi was sent off for repeatedly arguing with the referee. However, he must have been pleased with his team’s performance, especially after a slow start.
Experienced striker Alvaro Morata had a chance to equalize just before halftime when he received a well-placed pass from De Paul, but he volleyed the ball over the crossbar.
Morata didn’t return for the second half and was substituted by Depay, while Samuel Lino made way for the introduction of Griezmann.
Unfortunately, the changes in attack didn’t bring positive results for Atletico as Barca increased their lead just eighty seconds into the second half. Lewandowski managed to shake off a defender, received Raphinha’s smart pass, and scored by hitting the ball off the far post.
The away team didn’t seem bothered when coach Xavi Hernandez was sent off in the first half. Lopez sealed the victory in the 65th minute with a powerful header from Lewandowski’s second assist of the night and increased the lead 3-0.
Barcelona’s win was very impressive because they were the first team to beat Atletico at the Metropolitano stadium this season. They also ended Atletico’s 25-game undefeated run in the top league, showing how they’ve been dominant over Diego Simeone’s team in recent games.
“It was probably the most complete game. It was a match similar to the one against Napoli,” said Xavi referring to their midweek win in the Champions League.
“It’s an ideal match for our methodology and philosophy of play. We are Barca, nobody relaxes here. We are going to try to improve and compete for the two most important titles,” Xavi said. “I am passionate and I want my team to win. For me the sending off was unnecessary and unfair but we have to accept it.”
Atletico, who had one player sent off in stoppage time after Nahuel Molina received a red card, faced their first defeat at home this season. This loss puts them in fifth place with 55 points, just one point behind Athletic Bilbao, who currently hold the last qualifying spot for the Champions League.
“They were better. The second goal took us straight out of the game. Congratulations to them because they played a good game,” Atletico manager Diego Simeone said. “Nothing to complain about my players. They gave their all. Let’s stay calm and push for fourth place. It will be complicated and difficult.”
The victory pushed Barca up to second place in the La Liga standings, trailing leaders Real Madrid by eight points.