Barca's grip on title stronger than ever: Lewa's lucky late winner crushes Atleti
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 05.04.26. | 11:10
Real Madrid's gift accepted. Los Blancos' defeat to Mallorca and Barcelona's dramatic triumph over Diego Simeone's side make things clear in La Liga
Barcelona took a decisive step toward the La Liga title on late Saturday night, grinding out a dramatic 2-1 late win over Atletico Madrid thanks to a poacher's finish from Robert Lewandowski.
However, trust us on this one - it was far from straightforward.
Diego Simeone's side, heavily rotated and eventually reduced to 10 men, pushed Barcelona all the way, but ultimately left with little more than pride, as the visitors stretched their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points.
Both teams began with intent, exploiting space left by aggressive pressing. Antoine Griezmann threatened early, while Lamine Yamal repeatedly carved openings with inventive passing, twice teeing up Fermin Lopez.
But it was Atletico who struck first.
A sweeping ball from Clement Lenglet split Barcelona's high line, releasing Giuliano Simeone, who controlled superbly before finishing with precision to give the hosts a 40th-minute lead.
Barcelona dominated possession after the break, especially following Atletico's defensive reshuffle, but clear chances were scarce. Yamal came closest, dancing past multiple defenders before curling narrowly wide in a moment of individual brilliance.
As the clock ticked down, frustration crept into Hansi Flick's side. Their play became increasingly intricate, allowing Atletico to hold firm with a compact, disciplined block.
Yet, just as it seemed the hosts might hold out, the decisive moment arrived.
Joao Cancelo forced a save from Juan Musso, and lurking exactly where he needed to be was Lewandowski, reacting instinctively to bundle home the winner with a minute remaining.
For Atletico, there were positives: their first-half attacking play once again exposed Barcelona's vulnerability to runs in behind. For Barcelona, however, the outcome was all that mattered.
With a growing lead at the summit, Flick's side tightened their grip on the title - even if the cost, with fresh injury concerns ahead of a looming UEFA Champions League clash, remains to be seen.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 30
Friday
Rayo Vallecano - Elche 1-0 (0-0)
/Nteka 74/
Saturday
Sociedad - Levante 2-0 (1-0)
/Martin 30, Mendez 83/
Mallorca - Real Madrid 2-1 (1-0)
/Morlanes 42, Muriqi 90+1 - Militao 88/
Betis - Espanyol 0-0
Atletico Madrid - Barcelona 1-2 (1-1)
/Simeone 39 - Rashford 42, Lewandowski 87/
Sunday
15.00: (3.10) Getafe (2.80) Athletic Bilbao (2.70)
17.15: (2.35) Valencia (3.20) Celta (3.25)
19.30: (2.85) Oviedo (2.95) Sevilla (2.75)
22.00: (2.50) Alaves (3.15) Osasuna (3.00)
Monday
22.00: (3.15) Girona (3.50) Villarreal (2.35)
***odds are subject to change***