Atletico Madrid confronted FC Barcelona on the Montjuic Olympic Stadium in a vital Matchday 18 conflict of the 2024-25 La Liga season. In a dramatic contest, Atletico secured a historic 2-1 victory, with coach Diego Simeone dedicating the second to somebody deeply particular.
Barcelona dominated the primary half, with Pedri scoring the opener within the thirtieth minute, whereas Atletico did not register a single shot. Nevertheless, the second half noticed a remodeled Atletico, as Rodrigo de Paul equalized within the 63rd minute. The sport reached a fever pitch in stoppage time when Alexander Sorloth netted a decisive objective within the 96th minute, sealing a exceptional away win.
Within the post-match press convention, Simeone made a poignant dedication: “At this time would have been my father’s birthday. It’s been two years since he handed, and I knew there was a present ready for him someplace. This win is a lovely present, made attainable by the gamers and everybody who labored so onerous for this outcome,” stated the Argentine tactician.
Reflecting on the workforce’s efficiency, Simeone praised their unity and resilience: “I’m actually proud of how the group is performing. After I say ‘group,’ it’s not about going to dinner or having a chat—it’s about competing. It’s about somebody stepping off the sphere and the subsequent particular person stepping up. That’s a gaggle.”
A momentous streak for Atletico Madrid
Atletico’s victory capped a formidable turnaround. After consecutive losses to Lille and Actual Betis, Simeone’s facet launched into a 12-game profitable streak throughout all competitions, together with seven victories in La Liga, two within the Copa del Rey, and three within the UEFA Champions League. The conquer Barcelona catapulted Atletico to the highest of the desk with 41 factors from 18 matches, three factors away from Barca, who’ve performed yet another recreation.
Breaking the Barcelona curse
Saturday’s outcome was notably vital for Simeone, because it marked his first La Liga away win towards Barcelona since turning into Atletico’s coach in December 2011. Earlier than this match, Simeone had confronted Barca 12 instances away in La Liga, managing solely 5 attracts and struggling seven defeats.
“I’ve received different league matches, however I haven’t received at Barca. There’s at all times that problem to enhance, and the numbers communicate for themselves. I haven’t discovered the answer till now,” Simeone admitted within the pre-match press convention. The long-awaited victory got here at a pivotal second for Atletico’s title ambitions.
Whereas the win occurred at Barcelona’s short-term dwelling at Montjuic and never Camp Nou, it nonetheless carries immense significance for Simeone, who has solidified his place as Atletico Madrid’s longest-serving and most profitable coach. It additionally underscores the distinctive kind his facet has displayed as they chase glory in La Liga and past.
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