Atlético help rivals Madrid as Barca drop points again

Barcelona suffered another huge setback as they drew at home to third place Atlético Madrid. Despite Messi netting his 700th goal, it wasn't enough in a game that saw four penalties, albeit one being retaken.

Atlético hadn't won at the Cmp Nou since 2006 but have picked up some good results since football resumed after the coronavirus break. They almost took the lead in the 7th minute when Carrasco's cross evaded everyone in the box and went out for a goal kick.

Rakitic had an effort that was saved by Oblak, and Barca took the lead three minutes later.

Messi crossed in the corner and it, unfortunately, hit Diego Costa and went past the Atlético keeper. However, moments later the first penalty of the match was awarded.

Carrasco worked his way into the box and the Belgian's heels were clipped by Arturo Vidal. Diego Costa had his chance to make amends for his own goal but Ter Stegen guessed right to make a fine save.

However, the German had jumped off his line and was given a yellow card. The visitors then put Saúl on the spot-kick who made no mistake and sent Ter Stegen the wrong way. Messi then had a couple of efforts that went wide before Oblak scrambled to tip his free-kick over just on the brink of the interval, but a draw was a fair result for both sides.

The second penalty was given four minutes after the restart. Felipe clipped Semedo in the box, and despite there being very minimal contact, the rules are the rules and Messi had the chance to make it 2-1. The Argentine stepped up with a beautiful panenka to get his 700th goal for club and country.

The visitors weren't done there and just after Costa headed a good chance wide, Semedo turned the villain and fouled Carrasco. Saúl was tasked with hitting the penalty again, and despite Ter Stegen diving the right way and getting a hand to it, there was too much power and the visitors became the fourth side to score more than once at the Camp Nou this season.

Vidal had a couple of efforts to get the win, with Busquets also trying to do his bit for the crucial three points, but they couldn't manage any shots on target and Atlético picked up a good point. Barca will hope for a miracle as they could start the next game week four points behind Madrid with five matches left.

 

June 30, 2020