The 2024-25 La Liga title race is now fully in the balance for a three-horse challenge between the three best teams in the Spanish top flight, MySportDab reports.
From a gaping 8-point lead, Barcelona have now been pegged to second-place on the table after a shock 1-2 loss to challengers Atletico Madrid in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.
Alexander Sorloth’s clutch stoppage-time goal completed a stunning comeback victory for the Madrid-based side.
Pedri had put the home side in the lead exactly at the half-hour thanks to a brilliant assist by Gavi. The goal was enough to send the Catalan giants to the break with a lead before Atletico Madrid’s second-half masterclass turned the game on its head.
15 minutes into the second half, Rodrigo de Paul pegged the hosts to a 1-1 draw with the game poised for a nervy finish.
After conceding, Barcelona ramped up moves to retake the lead. They held a commanding sway over proceedings going forward, wielding 62% of ball possession with 19 attempts but it was another unlucky night for the title-hopefuls.
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper was forced into a series of saves as the hosts continue mounting pressure.
Despite the searing pressure, the game looked set to end in a draw with the scoreline still tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
At the last kick of the ball, Atletico Madrid pulled an incredible upset at the Estadi Olimpic Llius Companys.
After Raphinha’s pass into the visitors’ box was repelled, they caught out the Hansi Flick-led side with a speedy counter which resulted in Sorloth’s winner to secure all three points for Diego Simeone.
It is the first time Diego Simeone has won away against Barcelona throughout his over-a-decade career and the first time Barcelona have lost the last La Liga match of a Calendar year since 2007.
The win has seen Atletico Madrid open a three-point gap on top of the La Liga table with a game in hand.
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