What we learned from Barcelona v Atlético
Saturday, January 30, 2016
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There is daylight at the Liga summit after Barcelona recovered from a goal down to beat nine-man Atlético. Joseph Walker picks through the bones of a meaty feast.
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1 Man for the big occasion
Luis Suárez has a habit of coming to the fore when his team need him most. His 25 strikes last term included the goal that effectively sealed the title in March's Clásico and the crucial second in June's UEFA Champions League final. He has surpassed 30 already this season, among them two more against Real Madrid and one in August's 5-4 UEFA Super Cup win. His 31st goal of the campaign on Saturday could prove another title clincher.
2 The mark of champions
It would be fair to say that over the past few weeks Barcelona have not been at their best. Yet they remain unbeaten since October and now sit three points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand – clearly they are doing something right. It is often said that champions are decided by how a team deals with adversity and patchy form. With Claudio Bravo in fine form again against Atleti, Barcelona are passing with flying colours.
3 Atlético show defiance
After being reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time it would have been easy for Atlético to sit back and contain. Diego Simeone never lay down as a player, though, and his side are made of similar stuff. The 15 minutes after the break was as impressive as any away side has produced at the Camp Nou in recent seasons, despite the numerical disadvantage. Even when Diego Godín's red card left them down to nine they threatened a shock draw.
4 Saúl Ñíguez makes EURO case
The 21-year-old academy graduate has become indispensable at the Vicente Calderón. He covers every blade of grass, can put in a tackle and has an eye for a pass – attributes that have not escaped Spain boss Vicente del Bosque. This was another fine display, capped by the driving run and precision cross that set up Koke for the opener. Thiago Alcântara, Cesc Fàbregas and Santi Cazorla face stiff competition for UEFA EURO 2016 spots.
5 Arda Turan already a fan favourite
On his 29th birthday Arda earned a rapturous reception from both sets of supporters at the Camp Nou when he came on for the final 25 minutes. Loved at the Calderón for his work ethic and technical ability, the Turkish international has been welcomed with open arms in Catalonia and helped his new side get one over on his former employers.