Five things we learnt as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at Camp Nou.
Barcelona overcame another huge challenge in their quest to take back the La Liga title, beating second-place Atletico Madrid 1-0.
It was Lionel Messi that scored Barcelona’s winner against a difficult Atletico Madrid from a free-kick.
These are five things we learnt from the game
1. Samuel Umtiti really the man
After an underwhelming first season at Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti has gradually become the best defender in the team and one of the best in world football.
Against Atletico Madrid, Umtiti was the man, dominating the in-form duo of Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann.
Only a few defenders can go toe to toe with Costa, but on Sunday, Umtiti was up for it.
2. Ivan Rakitic shows is worth again
Rakitic has had a brilliant career at Barcelona but fans have been divided over him in recent seasons. But against Atletico Madrid, the 29-year-old showed his worth again, reminding everyone that he still has a lot to offer.
Rakitic was solid in midfield, hassling Atletico Madrid players with his energy around the pitch.
3. Messi’ free-kick to the rescue again
Atletico Madrid were up for it against Barcelona, physically making it difficult for Barcelona to create chances. But they had nothing to do with Messi’s goal from a freekick which gave Barcelona the three points.
That was Messi’s sixth goal from free-kicks this season.
4. Griezmann fails in a big game again
Griezmann was back to his best before the game against Barcelona with seven goals in his last games prior.
But against Barcelona, the Frenchman was underwhelming, another big game that he has failed to show up. Griezmann is no doubt a brilliant player, but his failure to show up in games should now be a worry. No wonder he still does not have a title to his name despite playing in the Champions League and European Championship finals.
5. Coutinho more dangerous from midfield and the left
Philippe Coutinho has not had a great start to life in Barcelona and that is partly because he has been playing from the right.
Against Atletico Madrid, he started from the right again and was not in the game as he often drifted inside and provided no width for Barcelona.
He was moved to the left after Andres Iniesta was taken off because of injury and that was when he had his first chance of the game.