Forget the famous El Clasico games between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Sunday, January 8 will be a day to remember for La Liga and Football fans. Two red cards were served as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1 – 0.
Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona came into the game level on points (38) with second-placed Real Madrid despite having a game at hand. This means the Catalans had to fight tooth and nail to make sure they create a gap at the top of the La Liga table.
Barcelona’s manager Xavi Hernandez
As a result, Barcelona took the bull by the horns as World Cup Semifinalist Ousmane Dembele scored in the 22 minutes. This came from a beautiful assist by Midfield session Gavi. Atleti players immediately surrounded Spanish referee Jose Munuera reporting a foul albeit in vain.
How the 2 Red Cards came about during Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid match.
With Atletico Madrid trailing behind, a number of substitutes were introduced in the game. Notably, in the 57 minutes, Barcelona brought off their number 10 Ansu Fati and introduced Spanish International Ferran Torres who would later receive a red card.
The game grew hotter and hotter. Diego Simeone’s Atletico pushing for at least an equalizer. Meanwhile, Barcelona, last season’s Runner Up in La Liga fought with all their might to maintain their lead.
As a result, in the 92-minute stoppage time, a scuffle ensued between Atletico defender Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres. The two grappled to the ground and appeared to wrestle for almost five seconds.
Ferran Torres ( yellow ) and Stefan Savic ( Red ) fighting
Incidentally, this occurred actually after Torres had already cleared the ball. It means the fight was more than just struggling for the ball. There ought to have been a rivalry that had been built throughout the game culminating in the “ wrestling “.
Referee Jose Munuera did not hesitate to show both players straight red cards for violent conduct. The game ended in 98 minutes in favor of Barcelona who are now three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
The result leaves Atletico Madrid in the fifth position level on points ( 27 ) with sixth-placed Villarreal. This does not bind well for Diego Simeone who finished third last season.
The Catalans have their next game against fourth-placed Real Betis in the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday. Whereas Atletico Madrid has an encounter with Almeria in the league on Sunday.
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