Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: La Liga Title To Be Decided By Showdown At The Camp Nou
Atletico Madrid were one goal away from being crowned La Liga Champions for the first time since 1996 against Malaga, but it wasn’t to be. Now they need a point in Catalonia.
It all could have been finished! Elche secured their La Liga status for next season by taking a point off title chasing Barcelona with a 0-0 draw at the Estadio Martinez Valero.
That meant that if Atletico could beat an uninspired Malaga team at the Vicente Calerdon, then they would be walking out to a guard of honour from the mighty Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
However, Simeone’s men had to claw back from 1-0 down, but they equalized thanks to a header from Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld.
Atletico Madrid Captain Gabi, told Marca that for the first time this season the pressure got to his side, because while they were on the pitch they knew Barcelona had drawn.
With the news that Barcelona had drawn at Elche filtering through, with under two minutes of added time left, Adrian Lopez made space for a shot on the edge of the box.
He curled it with his right foot and it looked destined for the top corner, but Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero made an excellent save to tip it over the bar.
So. Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou, winner takes the title, reminiscent of Liverpool vs Arsenal title decider in 1989 at Anfield.
There has been nothing to separate them this year. Three games played, and three draws. If we get another draw, the title is heading to Madrid.
I have to say, my money’s on Atletico. Both teams not in the best form and if it comes down to which team can raise themselves it will be ‘Los Rijoblancos’.
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