Barcelona's tactics were non-negotiable, while Atlético's were adaptable. The attacking points of each team were identified, and a different lineup took the field compared to the 4-0 on February 12th in the Copa del Rey. Only five players repeated in the red-and-white team: Musso, for the injured Oblak; Molina, Koke, Giuliano, and Griezmann. The team was prepared to defend against Barcelona's relentless offensive action and Lamine Yamal, who impresses in every play with his incredible skills, imagination, dribbling, and unstoppable form. Lamine Yamal then hit the crossbar. Atlético took the lead. His shot went wide, to the relief of the crowd, who, even at 1-1, perfectly understood the immediate priority for this Atlético and Simeone. He had already substituted Koke at halftime, and later replaced Lenglet with Taufik. In numerical disadvantage, with an already unthinkable lineup for a match of this importance, Musso repelled another chance from Ferran Torres. But Barcelona was not enjoying the number of chances one might expect as the match entered the last 20 minutes, thanks to the fighting spirit of the red-and-whites, with a midfield formed by Morcillo, Obed Vargas, and Taufik, plus Thiago Almada among the changes and absences of Johnny Cardoso, Marcos Llorente, Barrios, and Mendoza. Barcelona tried until the end, frustrated by Musso, until his save on João Cancelo rebounded off Lewandowski's shoulder in the 88th minute. With a transformed lineup, more substitutes than regular starters, Barcelona competed, tamed them with eleven and even with ten, and went ahead 1-0. Barcelona's response was swift. They are seven points clear of Real Madrid with 24 games to play. His 'dance' was a torment for Nico González, who was sent off to the showers at the break, with the score at 1-1. He beat every player he faced. Perhaps this is the sentence for La Liga. Ahead are the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. 38 minutes and 5 seconds. The decision is still incomprehensible to Diego Simeone, whose gestures revealed common disbelief. Ten against eleven again, everything revolving around Lamine Yamal, who spectacularly dribbled past four opponents. Atlético will be another team. Lewandowski's 2-1 surpassed it, but Atlético feels powerful at their stadium. From Cancelo's recovery to Rashford's left-footed shot under Musso's legs after a wall pass with Dani Olmo, whose two touches were crucial (1-1). Then came the expulsion of Nico González, near halftime, after a VAR review that changed the second yellow card to a red for the Argentine winger, who had a nightmare with Lamine Yamal. Barcelona had to rely on a final goal from Robert Lewandowski, a rebound off his shoulder after a save from Juan Musso in the 88th minute, after 43 minutes with a numerical advantage, to overcome Atlético de Madrid and head towards the league title, taking advantage of Real Madrid's previous defeat in Mallorca. WHAT A WIN!!! The first touch controlled the ball, the second beat Joan García. Griezmann didn't take advantage, being fine in his dribble to leave two rivals behind in two elegant driving sequences. Finally, he achieved what he had been looking for: the run in behind Barcelona's high defensive line, the wonderful cross from Lenglet, with precision and the exact spot, and Giuliano Simeone's equally perfect control. The winning rebound. His shot went to Joan García. A lethal 15-second counterattack. The triple change was a clear sign: out went Giuliano, Baena, and Griezmann; in came Sorloth, Giménez, and Morcillo. From red to yellow. Called by VAR, reviewed on the monitor, the check reduced the punishment. The pass with the inside of the foot was a delight. Still at 0-0, still eleven against eleven, the match then came down to a detail. In three minutes. He must fail three times in eight rounds. His quick equalizer was key. An even worse follow-up shot came later.
