O Barcelona won by 1-0 Atletico Madrid (3rd), this Sunday, for the 30th round of the Spanish Championshipand took an important step towards the title, by maintaining the eleven-point advantage over Real Madrid (2nd) with eight games remaining in the championship.
Coach Xavi Hernández once again relied on Dutchman Frenkie De Jong, the starter, and Pedri, who received a standing ovation when he entered the field in the 61st minute, replacing Ferran Torres.
“They brought a lot of tranquility to the team. Without harming others, these two players are crucial, they make the difference, they understand everything, they are fundamental in our idea of football”, said the coach about the two midfielders.
At the Camp Nou, Barça scored the winning goal with a shot in the area by Ferran Torres (44′) after an assist by Raphinha, launched by the Uruguayan Ronald Araujo.
Real Madrid, more focused on the semi-finals of the Champions League against Manchester City and the final of the Copa del Rey against Osasuna, did their part on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Celta de Vigo (12th).
After three games without winning in the league, the team led by Xavi Hernández won again in the way he likes best this season, with a 1-0.
The goal was a liberation for Torres, starting this game despite his weak numbers, with only one goal scored in all competitions since November 1st, in the 4-0 defeat of Elche on April 1st, in his last game as a starter.
Ousmane Dembele did not play but his return is expected next week.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
