There was a last-minute change in Barcelona's lineup. despite of It was announced that Andreas Christensen would play in the starting lineup, but Fermin Lopez took to the field instead. The Dane, according to one sports commentator, suffered an injury during the warm-up, and Xavi had to react quickly. This is another blow to the already weak Spanish champions side.
From the first minutes, Barca's offensive formation lacked stability and confidence, which quickly led to a dangerous situation for Atletico. The home side quickly gained possession in the penalty area, but fortunately for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Pablo Barrios' shot went wide of the post. “The Rojiblanco team was very active in the first 30 minutesThe Azulgrana midfield was unable to cope with the home team's fast midfielders.
Atletico slept during the last minutes of the first half. Joao Felix rebuked his former team
Barcelona's first response came only in the 35th minute. Forte played the action from the left side, and Robert Lewandowski moved to the wing and sent an accurate pass into the Atletico Madrid penalty area. Rafinha was waiting there, but his header was terrible. The Brazilian did not hit the ball cleanly.
Atletico attacked and controlled the match, but Barcelona took the lead at the break. In the 38th minute, Robert Lewandowski entered again and passed to Joao Felix. Booed terribly The Portuguese kept his nerve and headed the ball into the net. Shortly afterwards, after loud and vocal protests following one of the referee's decisions, Xavi was thrown into the stands.
Robert Lewandowski's Lyric Meeting. Shame on Atletico in Madrid
Already during the break, Diego Simeone decided to make two changes and sent Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay onto the field. However, he was helpless in the face of the blunders committed by his defenders. De Paul lost the ball in front of the penalty area and Rafinha quickly intercepted it. The Brazilian sent a pass to Lewandowski, who increased the score to 2-0 with a perfect shot past the post.
Barcelona couldn't get enough and Atletico's players looked absolutely devastated. Diego Simeone's changes did not help the situation in any way. And The fast-paced Spanish champion increased the lead to 3-0 in the 65th minute. Robert Lewandowski starred, playing the role of the executioner of “Los Colchoneros” that day. The 35-year-old sent a cross between the defenders and took advantage of their passivity Fermin Lopez, who headed the ball past Jan Oblak.
Almost nothing went right for Atletico's players that day. In the 86th minute, Saul Niguez had a wonderful opportunity and should have scored an honorable goal. However, the Atleti midfielder made a huge mistake and his teammates could not understand why the ball did not reach the net.
In stoppage time, Vitor Roque received a wonderful through ball, but he was unable to confront Oblak due to Molina's obstruction. The defender was sent off with a red card.
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