Barcelona cruised to an emphatic 3-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday with targets from Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez, to maneuver second within the LaLiga standings.
The hosts dominated the early exchanges, however Barcelona grabbed the lead within the thirty eighth minute following a high-quality passing transfer with Lewandowski teeing up Felix for a straightforward close-range end.
Lewandowski prolonged the benefit two minutes into the second half as Raphinha stole the ball from Atletico’s Rodrigo de Paul to arrange the Pole for his thirteenth league purpose of the season.
The guests appeared untroubled by coach Xavi Hernandez being despatched off within the first half and Lopez sealed the rout within the sixty fifth minute with a towering header off Lewandowski’s second help of the evening.
“It was probably the most complete game. It was a match similar to the one against Napoli,” mentioned Xavi referring to their midweek win within the Champions League.
“It’s an ideal match for our methodology and philosophy of play. We are Barca, nobody relaxes here. We are going to try to improve and compete for the two most important titles.
“I’m passionate and I would like my group to win. For me the sending off was pointless and unfair however we now have to simply accept it.”
Barcelona moved above Girona, who were beaten 1-0 by Getafe on Saturday, in the table with 64 points, eight behind leaders Real Madrid.
“We are believing till the tip. Trying to chop factors and battle for the league,” Lopez said. “Xavi informed me to play calmly. I believe we’re in a very good dynamic and we hope to increase it so long as attainable”.
Atletico, who were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time following Nahuel Molina’s red card, suffered their first home loss of the season to leave them fifth with 55 points, one adrift of Athletic Bilbao in the last Champions League qualifying berth.
“They have been higher. The second purpose took us straight out of the sport. Congratulations to them as a result of they performed a very good recreation,” Atletico manager Diego Simeone said.
“Nothing to complain about my gamers. They gave their all. Let’s keep calm and push for fourth place. It might be sophisticated and tough.”