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Atletico Madrid logo
La Liga
May 12, 2013 at 6pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

1-2

Falcao (51')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Gabi (80' og.), Sánchez (72')

Match Analysis: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona

Sports Mole dissects the action as Barcelona record a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday.

Newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona came from behind to take all three points against Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday.

The first period had the look of a pre-season fixture, with neither side creating too many opportunities in the opposing half.

Atletico were ahead in the early stages of the second half when Radamel Falcao finished from inside the Barcelona box, but Alexis Sanchez levelled for the away team after 72 minutes.

There was time for a winner, however, with an own goal from Gabi handing all three points to the champions of Spain.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.

Match statistics:

Atletico:
Shots: 6
On target: 2
Possession: 42%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 18

Barcelona:
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 58%
Corners:2
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

In truth, a goalless draw would have been a fair result this evening. There is no question that it had the feeling of a pre-season match with neither side too interested in forcing the issue, especially in the first period. Atletico took the lead against the run of play, but both of Barcelona's goals arrived in fortunate circumstances.

Atletico's performance

The capital outfit demonstrated their defensive ability under pressure this evening, but unfortunately they passed up clear chances to take something from the match. There is no question that they had one eye on the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Friday, but they will still feel that they did enough to deserve a point. Ultimately, it is another home defeat for Atletico, who have struggled on their own patch in recent weeks.

Barcelona's performance

Winning ugly is certainly not a bad habit to have. It is not something that is usually connected with Barcelona, but that was the case this evening. In truth, they did not get out of second gear during the entirety, which is not too surprising having already secured the league title courtesy of Real Madrid's draw with Espanyol on Saturday. They played the final 20 minutes or so with 10 men, but still managed to pick up all three points.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Alexis Sanchez: It has not been the best of seasons for the Chilean winger, but he played a key role in their victory this evening. Aside from his goal, which levelled the terms, he caused problems with his pace and direct running, especially in the second period.

Biggest gaffe of the match

Atletico had a glorious chance to score their second of the match on the hour mark when Falcao found Arda Turan in the box, but the Turkish international's touch was poor, allowing Gerard Pique to get back to make the challenge. It would have put the game to bed, but it ended up costing his side the three points.

Referee performance

Pedro Perez had just about as comfortable a 90 minutes as he has had all season. In truth, there was hardly a challenge of note in the first period with neither team prepared to get involved in the scrappy side of the match. He was more involved in the second period, but it was a stroll in the park for the Spanish official.

What next?

Atletico: Atletico will attempt to secure the Copa del Rey trophy when they face rivals Real Madrid in the final on Friday.

Barcelona: The Catalan outfit face their penultimate home match of the season when they welcome Real Valladolid next Sunday.

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FC Barcelona players celebrate after Atletico Madrid's Gabi Fernandez scores an own goal on May 12, 2013
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12Sevilla33911134246-438
13AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


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