Simeone always finds a way.
FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid had an exciting LaLiga title-race match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, with Diego Simeone’s men getting an enormous win to officially take the lead as league-leaders.
Watch: Pedri goal vs. Atletico Madrid
The match began with a clear dominance from the home side and the blaugranas capitalizing on their ball possession, with Pedri scoring a wonderful goal to give Barcelona the lead in the 30th minute. The 2021 Golden Boy picked up the ball in the midfield, dribbled past multiple defenders and put away a slick one-two inside the box.
PEDRI WORLD CLASS RUN.
GAVI ASSIST.
PEDRI GOAL.WHAT A DUO pic.twitter.com/t8QZB4EXWG— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 21, 2024
The 22-year-old is back to his old form.
Watch: Rodrigo de Paul goal vs. Barcelona
Despite continuous attacking chances from Barcelona in the second half, Atlético put the game level after 2022 World Cup champion, Rodrigo de Paul, found a rebound at the edge of the box and put it into the corner of Iñaki Peña’s net.
RODRIGO DE PAUL EQUALIZES FOR ATLETICO MADRID! WHAT A STRIKE pic.twitter.com/t7idM9ESaX
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 21, 2024
Made it look easy.
Watch: Alexander Sorloth last-minute goal vs. FC Barcelona
The match was on its way into a dream draw for Real Madrid — who were to encounter their clash against Sevilla looking to take over at the top of the table — however, summer-signing Alexander Sørloth put away an incredible counter-attack to give Atlético the late win, sending the full squad, bench and manager Diego Simeone into a joyful frenzy.
ATLETICO MADRID TAKE DOWN BARCELONA IN STOPPAGE TIME
THEY ARE NOW THREE POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP OF LALIGA WITH A GAME IN HAND pic.twitter.com/ndmq2L5uo3— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 21, 2024
This incredible comeback puts Atlético atop of the LaLiga table with 41 points with a game in hand, leaving Barcelona second with 38 points. Real Madrid (37) , who have two games in hand, will play Sevilla on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10:15 am EST looking to snatch second place.
