The Rumbling: Barcelona Put the World on Notice With 4-2 Victory Over Atletico Madrid

Barcelona Celebrate vs Atletico Madrid: Image from Marca

Remember the date, February 6th, 2022. The day Barcelona announced they are back. This Sunday afternoon match saw 5th place Barcelona host 4th place Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou, with a place in the Champions League spot on the line. Both sides made signings to strengthen their teams in January with the hopes of mounting a late title charge against archrivals Real Madrid, who are sitting pretty on top of the league. This game was important for both teams, and it surely lived up to expectations.

Barcelona started the game in their vintage 4-3-3. The back line consisted of Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, and Dani Alves. Their midfield was anchored by Sergio Busquets, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri on either side. The attack had Gavi stationed on the left, Ferran Torres in the middle, and new signing Adama Traore on the right. Atletico lined up in Diego Simeone’s preferred 4-4-2, with former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez leading the front line.  

Atletico started the game off superbly with a goal in the 8th minute from Yannick Carrasco. This goal had awful defense from the Blaugrana, as Suarez was allowed too much time on the right flank to pick out the cross to Carrasco. The lead did not last long however, as Barcelona leveled the score two minutes later off a stunning Jordi Alba volley from a Dani Alves cross. Barcelona did not let their foot off the gas, with Gavi heading home Adama’s cross in the 21st minute. The pressure continued for the rest of the half, and in the 43rd minute Barcelona increased their lead to two goals. A freekick was swung into the box by Dani Alves and headed onto the bar by Pique. Ferran Torres scuffed his volley attempt which fell to Araujo, who finished the chance and put the ball into the back of the net. A 3-1 halftime lead quickly became 4-1, as in the 49th minute a great 1-2 between de Jong and Gavi lead to Dani Alves smashing home a squared ball.

Dani Alves and Jordi Alba, Gavi and Alba, and Adama Traore bullying Mario Hermoso: Images from CBS Sports, FC Barcelona, and Barca Blaugranes

At this point it was smooth sailing for Barcelona. Up three goals and controlling every aspect of the game, this looked like a match taken from Pep Guardiola’s time at the club. In the 55th minute Simeone, sensing that his team was in dire need of a change, made a triple substitution, taking out Mario Hermoso, Thomas Lemar, and Joao Felix who failed to make an impression on the match. These changes lead to a corner kick that was won by Atletico center back Jose Gimenez and headed into the goal by Luis Suarez, scoring yet another goal against his own club. This goal breathed new life into the Madrid side, as they began looking more dangerous. Dani Alves did not help Barcelona when he foolishly racked his studs down Carrasco’s calf and rightly received a red card. Around this time, Xavi subbed on Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang for his debut, Nico Gonzalez, and Sergino Dest to see out the game. Xavi’s substitutions proved successful, as the work rates of the subs were very high and steadied Barcelona defensively. No more goals or clear cut chances for either team ensued, and it ended 4-2.

Dani Alves celebrates his goal: Image via Bein Sports

I have mostly positive takeaways from this match. The negative takeaways lie in the defense switching off when allowing those two goals, but those will happen from time to time for every team. The Barcelona of the past several season would have crumbled after the second Atletico goal, but this team remained strong and resilient and was able to see the match out. Both fullbacks were in rare form, putting in great effort defensively and contributing to the attack. One goal for each fullback was very deserved. Dani Alves’s red card is a worry, as he has been in flying form since his signing. Leaving him out of the Europa League could prove to be a mistake, as no other right back in the squad offers what he does. New signings Adama and Aubameyang both impressed as well. Atletico could not handle Adama’s combination of strength and speed. He won many tackles with ease and was impossible to take off the ball. His performance was rewarded with an assist on Gavi’s goal. Most of Aubameyang’s time was spend while a man down, but he still found a way to contribute to the team. His effort holding up the ball and threat running in behind Atletico’s high line. The rest of the team was great as well, showing high work rates and creativity in possession.

Atletico Madrid have not given up four goals in a La Liga match since 2012. Barcelona scored four in 50 minutes. This was the best performance of the season for Barcelona, who showed creativity in possession, an ability to score, and a strong defensive effort. This is a warning call to the rest of Europe. Xavi’s Barcelona is improving rapidly and will only get better from here. A Europa League title coupled with a comfortably top four finish in the league are realistic goals for this season that will show progression from the first several months. The rumbling has occurred: Barcelona is back, and Barcelona is hungry to reclaim its title as the best club in the world.