February 18, 2010
Spanish League- Barcelona End Their Unbeaten Streak after Losing against Atletico Madrid 2-1
By Ally White
League leader Barcelona ended an unbeaten streak this Sunday, in the 22nd round of the Spanish League, after losing 2-1 against Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid, which crushed Xerez 3-0 on Saturday, cut the distance from Barca to just two points. Barcelona maintains the lead with 55 points, while Real Madrid is just behind with 53 points.
Barcelona now has three consecutive defeats in its visits to the Vicente Calderon Stadium. The team’s last such defeat was during a decisive league game, just over a year ago, when it lost against Atletico 4-3.
This time, from the first minutes of the game, the local team pressed a Culé team that appeared weakened with the knowledge that the best men weren’t in the lower zone. This lack was apparent in different moments of the game, and the entire situation became more complicated for Barcelona when, at minute 7, Malian Seydou Keita was injured.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid players were at the top of their game, easily outdoing Guardiola’s team. Argentina’s Aguero and Diego Forlan commanded the offense of the rojiblanco team.
It didn’t take long until the locals, at minute 9, sent the crowd of Vicente Calderon into an excited frenzy. Forlan took advantage of an open space pass from José Antonio Reyes in front of goalkeeper Victor Valdes, crossing the ball to send the score to an early 1-0. The Catalan’s defense exhibited little coordination during the out of place play.
Later, Sergio Aguero had a great opportunity in his rival’s area, but instead of shooting, he sent the ball for a teammate and the Culé defense cleared the ball.
Atletico continued pressing in the offense and finally extended its lead at minute 23, when Simao Sabrosa scored in a free kick. He placed the ball in the right side of the post covered by Valdes, to put the score 2-0 in favor of the Rojiblancos.
The connection between Barca strikers Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic took time to create danger for David De Gea’s goal; however, Barcelona finally got back into the game at minute 27. Ibrahimovic appeared with no defense in the area, received a corner kick from Xavi Hernandez, and sent the ball to the bottom of the net. Barca was back in the battle for victory.
In the second half, the tone of the game was the same. In the opening minutes, Aguero and Forlan highlighted the failures of the visitors’ defense. Barca’s defense counted on the participation of Maxwell, Gabriel Milito, Carles Puyol, and Bolton Wanderers, who was replaced by younger player Marc Bartra.
Later, at minute 56, with a good individual play from Aguero, Atletico came closer to extending its lead. However, the left shot was saved by Victor Valdes, who was evidently upset with his teammates for their lax defensive plays.
Barcelona was left floundering at the end, and forwards Messi, Hernandez, and Iniesta were unable to add more goals despite their redoubled efforts for a draw.
In the end, the game finished in favor of Atletico Madrid, 2-1.
At the conclusion of the game, Barca coach Pep Guardiola praised Atletico’s work and said that, although his players put in a good effort, they couldn’t find their game.
“I would like to congratulate Atletico on a good game. They were very well organized while we were not at our best and did not get our passing rhythm going. I say nothing against our players because they did their best but we were not on our game. When we lost the ball we did not position ourselves well,” stated Guardiola
Barcelona’s next game will be against Racing Santander on February 20st while Atletico Madrid will face Almeria as visitors on February 21st.
About the Author
Ally White has been a prominent writer on regular Spain Primera Division games, sports news and the sportsbetting industry for many exceptional sports web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.