Ferran Torres eases Barca's nerves in LaLiga title race regardless of missed probabilities vs. Atletico

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BARCELONA -- Barcelona took one other step in direction of a primary LaLiga title since 2019 as they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday. Ferran Torres' first-half objective was the distinction between the 2 sides as Barca restored their 11-point lead over Actual Madrid on the high of the desk with eight video games to go.

Robert Lewandowski, Gavi and Raphinha have been all responsible of losing probabilities to double Barca's lead within the second half, however their misses didn't come again to hang-out them.

Antoine Griezmann had earlier hit the bar for Atletico and was additionally twice denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen because the guests' 13-game unbeaten streak got here to an finish.

Fast response

1. Barca finish title jitters

Whereas Barca have seemed heading in the right direction for the title since March's win over Madrid, back-to-back goalless attracts in opposition to Girona and Getafe had created some jitters heading into the sport in opposition to Atletico, who've climbed to 3rd within the desk following a powerful run since shedding to Barca in January. Madrid's victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday had quickly minimize the hole between the highest two to eight factors.

Nevertheless, Sunday's win ought to guarantee there will likely be no collapse from Xavi Hernandez's membership within the closing stretch of the season. Ferran's objective, nicely taken on the finish of the primary half after good work from Raphinha, was sufficient to earn them three factors and finish a run of three video games with no win in all competitions.

There was additional excellent news for Barca within the return of Frenkie de Jong, who managed 77 minutes after a month out, and Pedri, who got here on within the second half. The Spain worldwide had not performed since getting injured in opposition to Manchester United in February and was given a rousing reception from the gang of 80,000. He seemed sharp, too.

2. Improved Barca nonetheless let down in closing third

Barca have lacked a medical edge in latest weeks and that was once more the case in opposition to Atletico. Their first half objective was their first since April 1 -- when Ferran scored in opposition to Elche -- and ended a run of practically 350 minutes with no objective in all competitions. That they did not add to that tally, although, will fear Xavi.

That they had greater than sufficient probabilities. Gavi missed a very good one after being arrange by Raphinha, who then wasted a gap contained in the six yards field after Lewandowski had crossed. The Polish striker then didn't beat Jan Oblak, who was caught in no-man's land, when he struck extensive with the objective gaping. He may have squared to Raphinha for a faucet in.

A twenty third clear sheet within the league this season -- they've conceded simply 9 targets in 30 matches -- meant they weren't made to pay for these misses, however modifications could also be wanted in assault this summer time.

3. Griezmann cannot save Atletico's unbeaten run

All eyes have been on Griezmann as he returned to Camp Nou, the place he spent two years as a participant. The Frenchman is without doubt one of the in-form gamers in Spain, the star of this Atletico aspect, and he didn't disappoint. Inside 40 seconds he had hit the bar with a brilliantly looping effort, setting the tone for one more good performances.

He was later denied by former teammate Ter Stegen, who received down low to his proper to maintain out what seemed like a sure objective. The German foiled Griezmann once more within the second half when the Atletico ahead's artistic flick turned an Alvaro Morata cross goalwards.

Griezmann's genius -- he has 11 league targets this season -- couldn't rescue Atletico this time, although, as their unbeaten streak ended at 13. The final time they misplaced within the league was in opposition to Barca in January. On the time, their place within the Champions League subsequent season seemed doubtful. Now, it will take a miracle for them to not end third regardless of this setback.

Greatest and worst performers

BEST

Raphinha, FW, Barcelona: Arrange Barca's objective and was a continuing thorn in Atletico's aspect on the precise flank. Solely unfavourable was a miss from point-blank vary within the second half.

Antoine Griezmann, FW, Atletico Madrid: May have had a hat-trick on one other day, however the woodwork and Ter Stegen denied him.

Frenkie de Jong, MF, Barcelona: The Dutchman was sensible in midfield on his return to motion after a month out.

WORST

Axel Witsel, MF, Atletico Madrid: Appeared a step off the tempo on the base of the midfield and was taken off early within the second interval.

Marcos Alonso, DF, Barcelona: Crammed in for the injured Andreas Christensen however struggled. Was booked making an attempt to make amends for his personal poor cross after which taken off by Xavi after the break.

Jose Maria Gimenez, DF, Atletico Madrid: No the place close to Ferran for the objective, struggled in possession and fortunate to not get at the least booked for a excessive problem on Raphinha.

Highlights and notable moments

On the cusp of halftime, Ferran broke the impasse between the 2 groups and scored his first objective at Camp Nou since October 2022.

After the match: What the managers, gamers stated

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak on the end result: "The feeling isn't the best. We lost the game, in the first half we didn't do badly, we did quite well but they scored in the last minute, then in the second half the game was more open, there were more chances for them. But in the end we lost and you can't say much more."

On the title race: "Barcelona are far ahead of us for sure, and Madrid are ahead of us too. For a long time this league title has been very difficult [for us] and today it's the same. We weren't able to give a bit more excitement to this league, we lost, and if Barcelona carry on winning like that, with the advantage they have, they're going to win it."

On the handball penalty enchantment: "Honestly I didn't see it and I haven't spoken to the others, so I don't know what happened. If they complained there was probably something but with handballs nobody knows the rules, sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't, and the referees decide, so I don't know."

On the distinction for Griezmann at Atletico: "It's more of a question for him. Here he's always been at his best, in his first spell and now in his second he's just as good, I don't know why he didn't do as well at Barcelona and I don't care much, what matters is that he does well with us, he had a great game and I'm sure he'll keep doing it."

Barcelona's Ferran Torres on the end result: "We had to get the win at all costs today, it was very important to take a big step towards the league. We did it, the team played well, the fans were with us from the start and we got the result."

On the wasted probabilities: "It's Atletico Madrid, they were 13 games unbeaten, they're one of the best teams in the best form. The important thing is to have chances, after that you can take them or not but the important thing is to create them.

"We have simply had some video games the place we have missed that final step for a objective. Right this moment was a day to point out that we're nicely, that we're working, we're excited to win this league and at the moment you noticed that on the pitch."

Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information)

  • Torres scored his 4th goal of the LaLiga season -- matches his total from last season after joining the team in January 2022

  • Torres' shot was from 19 yards out, the furthest distance of a goal of his with Barcelona

  • This is the 10th match Barcelona has won in LaLiga this season in which the final score was 1-0; that is 3 more than any other team in LaLiga

Up next

Barcelona: Xavi's side play Rayo Vallecano subsequent on Wednesday April 26 (stream stay on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET) adopted by Actual Betis on the Camp Nou on Saturday April 29 (stream live on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET).

Atletico Madrid: They host Mallorca on April 26 (stream live on ESPN+ at 1:30 p.m. ET) and then travel to face Valladolid on Sunday April 30 (stream stay on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET).




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