Barcelona have seemingly slipped up in the La Liga title race after playing a stalemate against Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp. Atletico Madrid were clearly the better side in the first half, and it was the opposite after the break, with the Catalans creating fair better chances. Here are the three talking points from the goalless draw.
Ter Stegen and Oblak – the saviours for their respective sides
Two world-class goalkeepers Marc Andre Ter Stegen of Barcelona, and Jan Oblak Atletico Madrid, rose to the occasion and ensured that their respective sides didn’t concede. If it weren’t for Ter Stegen, Barcelona would have lost the game in the first half itself. The German keeper made a string of fine saves. The same can be said for Oblak, whose best saves of the game came against dangerous-looking Lionel Messi.
Not a memorable outing for Suarez and Griezmann against their former clubs
Luis Suarez had a rather not-so memorable outing against his former club Barcelona, and so did Antoine Griezmann, who couldn’t build on his impressive recent run against Atletico. Suarez was indeed futile in the attacking third for the entirety of the game, whilst Griezmann failed to establish a partnership with Lionel Messi. The latter alone gave Barca something to cheer about with his eye-catching dribbles and passes.
Atletico and Barca lost in this draw – Real Madrid in driver’s seat
It was not the first time Barca had messed up their opportunity to get a firm hold in the thrilling title race as it all started from a shocking defeat against Granada recently. Now the defeat means that Atletico will stay at the top for the time being, while Real Madrid can be so if they win their game against Sevilla on Sunday. Zidane’s men can retain the La Liga crown if they go on to win all of their remaining games, irrespective of Barca’s results.
