Barcelona cruised to an emphatic 3-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday with targets from João Félix, Robert Lewandowski and Fermín López, to maneuver second within the LaLiga standings.
The hosts dominated the early exchanges, however Barcelona grabbed the lead within the thirty eighth minute following a superb passing transfer with Lewandowski teeing up Felix for a simple close-range end.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
Lewandowski prolonged the benefit two minutes into the second half as Raphinha stole the ball from Atletico’s Rodrigo de Paul to arrange the Pole for his thirteenth league aim of the season.
The guests appeared untroubled by coach Xavi Hernandez being despatched off within the first half and Lopez sealed the rout within the sixty fifth minute with a towering header off Lewandowski’s second help of the evening.
“It was most likely essentially the most full recreation. It was a match just like the one in opposition to Napoli,” mentioned Xavi referring to their midweek win within the Champions League.
“It is a really perfect match for our methodology and philosophy of play. We’re Barca, no person relaxes right here. We’re going to attempt to enhance and compete for the 2 most necessary titles.
“I’m passionate and I need my workforce to win. For me the sending off was pointless and unfair however we now have to just accept it.”
Barcelona moved above Girona, who had been crushed 1-0 by Getafe on Saturday, within the desk with 64 factors, eight behind leaders Actual Madrid.
“We’re believing till the tip. Making an attempt to chop factors and combat for the league,” Lopez mentioned. “Xavi advised me to play calmly. I feel we’re in a superb dynamic and we hope to increase it so long as attainable”.
Atletico, who had been lowered to 10 males in stoppage time following Nahuel Molina’s purple card, suffered their first residence lack of the season to depart them fifth with 55 factors, one adrift of Athletic Bilbao within the final Champions League qualifying berth.
“They had been higher. The second aim took us straight out of the sport. Congratulations to them as a result of they performed a superb recreation,” Atletico supervisor Diego Simeone mentioned.
“Nothing to complain about my gamers. They gave their all. Let’s keep calm and push for fourth place. Will probably be difficult and tough.”