Not exactly Stoke, but doing it on a cold rainy night in Madrid is not bad either.
Third time lucky at Wanda Metropolitano. After rescuing a 1-1 draw with a late goal in both of the previous La Liga seasons, Barcelona now scored a late goal to win over Atletico Madrid, 1-0. It's now going to be 10 years since the last time Atleti beat us in La Liga.
Octopus on one side, little magician on the other. Ter Stegen kept everything out, Leo caused trouble on every counter attack, with his signature one two with Suarez delivering a vital goal.
Entertaining game considering it featured Simeone's team. They were better in the first half, Hermoso and Morata were kept out brilliantly by Ter Stegen, and fortunately Junior only deflected Trippier's return ball on to the post. On the other end Rakitic wasted a good opportunity that was presented by Leo, and Pique headed the crossbar from the corner delivery.
Barca stepped up in the second half. A fine counter attack was ruined by Suarez who shot straight at Oblak. Leo had his attempt blocked. Considering the bad conditions for usual Spanish standards, a really good game. A few rough tackles from both sides, especially Atletico. Vitolo was lucky to not get sent off after coming off the bench, but Pique was flirting with a red card too. He didn't have an exceptional game, and an ugly challenge from Vitolo on his knee ended his game early.
One of the toughest fixtures out of the way. And more importantly, back to top of the table and likely to be there going into El Clasico, disappointing both Madrid clubs last night. One eye will be on that fixture already, as there is no pressure in our last group game in the Champions League against Inter. Although before then we have a home game in La Liga against Mallorca.
Hopefully that will be the game where the captain will present the Ballon d'Or, the announcement will be made later today as he competes with Liverpool's van Dijk for the prize. Yesterday marked 10 years since the first time he won this golden ball, and today he might collect a record breaking sixth. But even if he doesn't, there is no doubt that his consistent brilliance is second to none. Even during the previous three seasons when other players were given individual honors.
What makes his consistent brilliance even sweeter is, he is one of our own. From his 1st to 701st club appearance, and that won't change.
