Both teams started energetically, with early action at both ends within the first five minutes, and the first notable chance came when Raphinha sent a shot high over the bar, while Atleti’s Alex Baena actively ran for the visitors as they tried to gain control.
Despite Barcelonadominating early possession, Atleti’s passing was more precise, and near the halfway mark of the first half, Baena’s perfectly timed run from the center circle and composed finish put his team ahead.
As expected, Barcelona launched a series of attacks, and although Atleti’s five-player defense initially resisted, Raphinha found space and dribbled past Jan Oblak to score a well-executed equalizer just seven minutes after Atleti’s opener.
With the home side pressing relentlessly, Dani Olmo was fouled inside the box by Pablo Barrios, but Robert Lewandowskimissed the penalty badly, sending the ball into the stands at Camp Nou.
Oblak then made a world-class save to deny the Polish striker’s powerful header, keeping the score level.
Barcelona started the second half aggressively, pressing their opponents constantly, but it was Julian Alvarez who had the first opportunity, with his chip easily caught by Joan Garcia.
Raphinha and Giuliano Simeone both missed shots from good positions, before Lewandowski narrowly failed to convert a low cross from Raphinha.
After a hectic few minutes, Baena suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted, and shortly after, Olmo broke free from his marker to slot in a left-footed finish. Injured during the play, he was immediately replaced by Ferran Torres.
Encouraged by the goal, Barcelona dominated possession and created chances, yet Thiago Almada astonishingly missed an open goal for Atleti.
The closing moments were chaotic, with Torres scoring in the final stoppage minute to seal Atleti’s defeat.
This result means Barcelona have lost only one of their last 10 head-to-head matches (8 wins, 1 draw), and although that loss was in last season’s corresponding fixture, it remains their sole defeat in 20 LaLiga home H2Hs (14 wins, 5 draws).
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