Barcelona was forced to surrender 0-1 by Atletico Madrid in the Spain La Liga continued at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Sunday (22/11).
Atletico without Luis Suarez, who still had to be absent after testing positive for Covid-19. Meanwhile Barcelona fell in full force with Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri.
Ronald Koeman is on a mission to save Barcelona’s position in the standings, which is currently sluggish in 10th place, while for Atletico Madrid this match is a momentum to stick to Real Sociedad who are in the top position.
Los Rojiblancos who appeared powerful were able to break Barcelona’s domination of ball possession. Lionel Messi made his finger bite in the first half.
The host got the first chance through Saul’s good action in the fourth minute. His left foot shot into the right corner of the net, but was able to save by Ter Stegen.
Seven minutes later, Barcelona are saved from being conceded thanks to Ter Stegen’s brilliant save by tying Saul’s fierce strike from outside the area.
Barcelona’s goal could no longer be helped in the first half injury time. With a quick counterattack, Yannick Carasco managed to outwit Ter Stegen who was too fast to get out of his area.
Ter Stegen, who came out of the nest, was unable to clear the ball perfectly. Then Carrasco easily hits the ball into the empty net.
Barcelona came close to equalizing in the 56th minute after Clement Lenglet won the aerial duel. However, goalkeeper Jan Oblak swiftly stopped the ball at the goal line.
Barcelona’s ambition to return things increasingly difficult after Gerar Pique was pulled out in the 60th minute. Ronald Koeman was forced to remove Pique who was injured.
Oblak’s brilliant performance in goal also successfully frustrated Barca throughout the match. The Blaugrana failed to score a return goal and had to be willing to release three points for Atletico.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman expressed his disappointment after his team lost to Atletico Madrid
“We played very well in the first half, but a team like Barcelona did not deserve to concede like that in the 47th minute,” said the former Dutch national team coach.
“The players are doing well, but want better results and in principle you are doing what you should. Then we have the opportunity to equalize, but Atletico are good at defending, conceding it doesn’t deserve to happen,” he added.
Ronald Koeman also insisted that Barcelona’s poor results were entirely his responsibility.
He is responsible for being able to restore Barcelona’s performance in order to achieve the goal of winning the Spain La Liga this season.
“Like any coach, I am in charge,” said Ronald Koeman.
“We know that we have to improve and we need to trust the players we have.”
“We have to step up attack and defense. We have to win every game,” said Ronald Koeman.
