

Barcelona had the opportunity to reclaim their dominance in La Liga against a team that hadn't defeated them in any tournament since 2021 and hadn't triumphed in a league match in Barcelona since 2006. Diego Simeone and his Atletico Madrid club have found the Catalans to be a formidable opponent for whatever reason, but this season the Rojiblancos are stronger.
Their 12th consecutive victory across all competitions was achieved with a smash and grab at the Estadio Lluis Companys. In all honesty, Alexander Sorloth had no business scoring the game-winning goal in the last minute of injury time. Sortloth's effort would have been only a consolation if Barca's front players had taken the several opportunities that were offered to them. Real Madrid's anticipated victory over Sevilla will place them in second place, while Atleti will lead until the new year.