Atletico Madrid were 10 points behind Barcelona at the start of November but will end 2024 three points clear at the top of La Liga. And remember, they have played one game less than the Blaugrana.
Alexander Sorloth's 96th-minute winner sealed the game at the Olympic Stadium as Atletico Madrid crushed Barcelona at home. Earlier, Rodrigo De Paul equalised for the visitors after Pedri had opened the scoring. The win over Barca was also the Madrid side's 12th consecutive win in all competitions.
Meanwhile, coach Hansi Flick's team is still on a downward spiral. After winning 33 points out of 36 at the start of the season, Barcelona have weakened and won only 6 of the last 21 points.
There are many reasons for Barcelona's decline. Their high line-up, which used to be their strength, has become their weakness. Fatigue is another factor. Ten of their players have played more than 1,500 minutes this season. Raphinha has admitted that fatigue has led to the team winning just one of their last seven La Liga games.
However, Flick's side showed no signs of fatigue against Atletico, playing with great intensity and dominating the majority of the game. In fact, they should have scored more, finishing with 19 shots and an xG of 3.04. Atletico's chances, on the other hand, were few and far between. They didn't even have a shot in the first half.
"We played a fantastic game. It was unbelievable the way we played. This is exactly how I want to see my team play. Our style, the way we want to play, is really fantastic. I'm proud of the team," Flick said.
Atletico have scored 13 goals after the 80th minute to win or draw in all competitions this season, including Antoine Griezmann's 94th-minute winner as they came from behind to beat Sevilla 4-3 two weeks ago.
However, doing it against Barca felt different. It was their first home win in the competition since 2006, so it was no surprise that the entire Atletico bench spilled onto the pitch in celebration after Sorloth's decisive goal.
Diego Simeone's side have now won seven La Liga games in a row and will finish 2024 as league leaders, even if Real Madrid beat Sevilla. Simeone has twice guided Atletico to the title, beating both Barca and Real. Can the Argentine repeat that feat?
For Barcelona, the upcoming winter break is very much needed. Lamine Yamal will have time to recover from an ankle injury and other players like Pedri and Raphinha will also need rest.
