Newly-crowned champions Barcelona travelled to Atletico Madrid on Sunday looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points.
The first period had the look of a pre-season fixture, with neither side creating too many opportunities in the opposing half.
Atletico were ahead in the early stages of the second half with Radamel Falcao finishing from inside the Barcelona box, but Alexis Sanchez levelled for the away side late on.
There was time for a winner, however, with an own goal from Gabi handing all three points to the champions of Spain.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the capital as Atletico welcome the champions Barcelona. It had been expected that the Catalan outfit would have to secure a result against Atletico to be sure of the title, but Espanyol did the work for them last night. That said, both sides will still be fully charged for this match.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Atletico. Barcelona have won each of the last five matches, scoring 16 goals in the process. As mentioned, the Catalan outfit were 4-1 winners at the Camp Nou earlier in the season. They also overcame Atletico 2-1 in this stadium last season.
Despite Atletico’s excellent home form this season, they have won just one of thir last four matches in this stadium. However, Barcelona have managed just one win in their last seven matches on the road, while the Catalan outfit have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four games across all competitions, conceding an incredible 11 goals in the process.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Insua; Tiago, Gabi, Koke; Arda, Adrian, Falcao
BARCELONA: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Adriano, Alba; Song, Iniesta, Cesc; Sanchez, Messi, Tello
So there we have it. No Diego Costa for the home side this evening with the Brazilian on the bench, but Arda Turan does return to the starting team. There is also a place for Adrian Lopez, who impressed against Celta Vigo last week. Barcelona, meanwhile, have Lionel Messi in their starting side, with Adriano coming into central defence alongside Gerard Pique. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Madrid.
Really nice moment before kickoff as Atletico produced a guard of honour for Barcelona, with the home side's players congratulating the new league champions on their success this season. Let's hope that the match is played at a high tempo. Atletico may already have their focus on the cup final against rivals Real Madrid next Friday.
Good news for Barcelona this evening with Lionel Messi in the starting side for the first time in over a month. However, I am not sure the home supporters will be too pleased! Confident start from Atletico with Koke and Gabi both enjoying early touches of the ball in midfield. Let's hope for an evening full of incidents at the Vicente Calderon.
Atletico were hammered by Barcelona when the two sides met before Christmas, at a time when Diego Simeone's side were in seriously good form. That defeat would have hurt them that is for certain. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening six minutes, but both teams are demonstrating their quality on the ball. Two fabulous teams on display in the Spanish capital.
Just a few signs of Barcelona starting to take control of the tempo with Song dictating from a deep position, but Atletico have the best defensive record in the league this season. Miranda and Diego Godin have both been sensational at the heart of the defence. Juanfran delivers a low cross into the Barcelona box moments later, but Adriano is on hand to clear under pressure from Falcao.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening 10 minutes of football with both teams just feeling their way into the match. It's good work from Adrian as the Spaniard finds Falcao in the Barcelona box, but the Colombian can only fire his effort straight at Pinto. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters making the most of the noise in the early stages.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Fabregas meets a cross from Sanchez, but the Spaniard cannot make proper contact, with Courtois on hand to watch it move past the far post. Sanchez is again involved moments later, but his cross was always too long for Messi. Still no clear opportunities for either side with 12 minutes on the clock.
Just a reminder that Real Madrid's failure to beat Espanyol last night handed the league title to Barcelona, but that point for Jose Mourinho's side has made it almost impossible for Atletico to finish second in the table. In truth, neither side has been at full pace in the opening 14 minutes. However, the supporters are creating a wonderful atmosphere.
It's good work from Tello as the Barcelona winger collects a pass from Messi before driving a low cross into the box, but Godin is on hand to make the clearance. Adrian is involved down the other end moments later, but the flag is raised. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides opening up.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Messi wins a free kick outside the penalty area. The Argentine takes on the effort, but Courtois is on hand to collect with relative ease. Atletico attempt to break down the other end with Adrian Lopez, but the Spaniard cannot evade the challenge of Alba. We still await the first real opportunity for either side.
It's wonderful work from Messi as the Argentine moves past two defenders before finding Tello on the left, but the winger cannot find Sanchez, who had made a late run into the box. Gabi attempts to carry possession immediately down the other end for Atletico, but Song is across to fell the Atletico skipper.
Atletico continue to enjoy possession down the right as Juanfran twice delivers low balls into the box, but Adriano is across to clear on each occasion. The resulting corner presents a free header to Godin, but the centre-back can only head wide of the post. It is the type of match that could be decided by a set piece. There has been nothing between the pair thus far.
Half-chance for the away side as Sanchez meets a low cross from Messi, but the Chilean can only turn wide of the post from close range. It would be unfair to say that the match has a pre-season feel about it, but there is no question that both sides are holding something back. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Koke bursts into the Barcelona box before striking an effort from close range, but it was always moving wide of the post. Alves attempts to force the issue for Barcelona down the other end, but his low cross into the box is gathered by Courtois. Meanwhile, both sets of supporters continue to create a wonderful noise in the stadium.
Again the home side threaten on the break as Adrian combines with Falcao before driving towards the Barcelona box, but Pique is across to clear at the vital moment. Messi is once more involved down the other end, but Godin is out to clear. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with the two sides still level at 0-0.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. It's good work from Tello as the winger drives past Juanfran before cutting into the box, but his cross finds Godin. Adrian delivers a low cross down the other end, but Falcao cannot make contact.
Barcelona want a penalty as Tello is bundled over in the penalty area by Miranda, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given, but it would have been harsh. Turan embarks on a similar run down the other end, but he cannot evade the capture of Pique. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. In fairness, it has not been that type of fixture, with both sides coasting. Atletico's attention is already on the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Friday.
Diego Simeone is deep in thought at the moment as he ponders his next move on the sideline. I suspect that he will want his side to up the tempo in the second period. Again it's good build-up from Atletico with Insua delivering a low cross into the box, but Pique is across to clear, before Sanchez wins a free kick following a challenge from Koke.
The only surprise about the first period is that we have not seen the famous 'Mexican wave'. Alves attempts to force the issue as he strolls down the right before delivering a cross into the box, but Courtois is out to collect. It is the type of match that is in desperate need of a goal. Barcelona in possession with 41 minutes on the clock.
It has been a frustrating half for Falcao thus far with the Colombian too often caught in a race with Alba, a sprint that he is never going to win. Koke tries his luck from outside the box, but Alves is across to make the block. Still we await the first real opportunity of the match.
Barcelona are forced into a change in the latter stages of the half as Alves is replaced by Marc Bartra. It does not look too good for the Brazilian defender. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
CHANCE! The clearest opportunity of the match falls to Tello in the latter stages of the half, but his effort just curls wide of the far post. Inches away from bringing the opening goal of the evening.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. It would be unfair to say that the match has been a slight non-event, but it has had the feeling of a pre-season fixture. Neither team has done enough to be leading at this stage.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have had 60% of the possession, but both sides have managed just two attempts in the first period. Each has also hit the target just once, which is incredible for the amount of talent we have on the pitch. No cards for either side thus far.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking talents on the bench in the shape of Diego Costa, Cristian Rodriguez and Raul Garcia. Meanwhile, Barcelona have the likes of Pedro, David Villa and Xavi in reserve - not too much then! It is the type of match that could be decided with personnel from the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. Just a reminder that following the completion of this fixture we have action from Malaga as the home side welcome Sevilla. Right, the away side get the action underway.
Bright start to the half from Barcelona as Sanchez drives down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but Miranda is across to clear at the vital moment. Much more intent about both sides in the opening couple of moments, which is certainly good news for us.
Barcelona continue to enjoy most of the possession with Iniesta and Fabregas starting to dictate the tempo, but neither has been able to find Messi in a dangerous area thus far. Messi turns provider moments later as he finds Alba down the left, but his low cross into the box is claimed by the dominant Courtois.
Slightly sloppy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges. Adriano is again involved down the right as he drives a low cross into the box, but Iniesta cannot find space in a crowded bow. Atletico cannot get out of their own half at the moment.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Barcelona (Falcao)
First blood to Atletico! The home side open the scoring as Falcao collect a loose pass in the box before turning his effort into the back of the net from close range. The Colombian just does not miss from that position.
Barcelona attempt to force the issue down the other end with Messi, but the Argentine is felled outside the box by Miranda. The Brazilian makes another lunge moments later, this time catching Iniesta. The resulting free kick is taken by Fabregas, but he can only fire his effort wide of the post.
Barcelona continue to force the issue outside the box with a series of balls into the box, but the best defence in La Liga continues to stand firm. Atletico have a half-chance to break down the other end as Turan evades the capture of Pique before finding Adrian, but he cannot take control at the vital moment. Another goal for the home side would make it difficult for Barcelona.
Barcelona attempt to force the issue down the other end with Messi, but the Argentine is felled outside the box by Miranda. The Brazilian makes another lunge moments later, this time catching Iniesta. The resulting free kick is taken by Fabregas, but he can only fire his effort wide of the post. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Barcelona make their first change of the match as David Villa enters the field in place of Adriano. Well, that is certainly an attacking change. Busquets is also introduced moments later in place of Song. Does that mean two at the back for the Catalan outfit? Well needs must. That is some gamble at the Vicente Calderon.
Half-chance for Sanchez to test Courtois as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. You just get the feeling that the away side need to score next if they are to have a chance of taking something from proceedings. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to add their second as Falcao finds Turan in the box, but the Turkish international just cannot take it in his stride. That would surely have put this game to bed. Change for the home side, meanwhile, as Turan is replaced by Cristian Rodriguez.
Barcelona are forced to play the remaining of the match with 10 men as Messi limps off the pitch. Meanwhile, Atletico make a change of their own as Falcao is replaced by Diego Costa. Bit of protection for the Colombian in the latter stages of the match. The home side's focus is now on the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid next Friday.
Half-chance for Barcelona to threaten the Atletico goal as Sanchez is felled by Rodriguez outside the penalty area. With no Messi on the pitch, Villa is on free kick duty, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining at the Vicente Calderon.
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Barcelona (Sanchez)
Barcelona level! What's the fuss about - they always score! It's scrappy as Fabregas finds Sanchez in the box, who toe pokes his effort into the back of the net. That is his 10th goal of the season. Will they score another in the latter stages?
It is understood that Messi is being treated in the changing room after limping out of the match. I would be very surprised if that was not the end his season. Knowing Messi, however, he will be out there next week trying to reach the 50-goal target of last season. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for Barcelona once more as Fabregas collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Godin was on hand to make the block. Meanwhile, Atletico make their third change of the match as Oliver Torres enters the field in place of Adrian, who has been impressive this evening.
Bright work from Torres as the Atletico midfielder collects possession outside the box before feeding a pass towards Costa, but Pique is across to clear at the vital moment. Koke tries his luck from outside the box moments later, but it was always moving high and wide of the target.
GOAL! Atletico 1-2 Barcelona (Villa)
Barcelona have their second goal of the evening as Villa's shot takes a big deflection off Gabi before moving into the back of the net. What an unfortunate turn of events for the Atletico skipper.
Half-chance for the home side to level the scores as Costa collects a pass from Gabi before turning in the box, but the offside flag was raised, much to the frustration of the Brazilian striker. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
Atletico must be wondering how on earth they are trailing with little over five minutes of football remaining. In fairness, it has not been the most exciting match of the season, which is putting it kindly, but somehow Barcelona are heading for another three points.
Barcelona are moments away from their 40th victory of the season. It is certainly not a bad habit to win ugly, which has been their problem at times, especially in the Champions League. Koke tries his luck from distance for the home side, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Not too much to report in the latter stages of the match with Barcelona comfortable in possession of the ball. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match and we are indeed into the first of those.
Atletico are almost certain to finish third in the table this season, which the supporters would have accepted at the start of the season that is for certain. Barcelona continue to pass away the latter stages with their players waiting to start the celebrations.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. Barcelona come from behind to secure all three points against Atletico. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Malaga against Sevilla. Until then!
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