The half that should never be missing again: the hot notes from Barça - Atlético de Madrid

BarcelonaA crucial victory that extends Hansi Flick's Barcelona's lead in La Liga (3-1). Here are some immediate observations.

A victory laden with messages. The three biggest matches of the season had all ended in defeat, but then came Cholo Simeone's stingy approach to securing the first major victory for this second Barça under Flick. The Argentine coach doesn't disappoint: even when his teams arrive with positive momentum, they crumble against the intensity of important rivals because they don't dare to take control when they have everything to play for. Barça didn't need their best performance to secure the three points, but no one can dispute the fairness of the scoreline. Furthermore, competing like that with Gerard Martín playing out of position at center-back and several players performing at half-speed makes it all the more impressive.

The missing half of Barça. First, we're talking about Raphinha, who scored the equalizer in the first half and is an essential link in Flick's tactical plan. Seeing the Brazilian urging his teammates to grit their teeth when pressing speaks volumes about his commitment, a commitment also evident when he gets the crowd on their feet with a couple of gestures. grandstanderA separate chapter, however, is Pedri's return. The Canary Islander was expected to play 60 minutes, but he played 74, and in just 10 minutes he was enough to remind everyone who the best player in this Barça team is. He won the game with two pinpoint passes for two of Barça's three goals. Let's not forget it. The season is on.

Possessed by Sergio Ramos. In the first half, when Barça were playing better after the 1-1 equalizer, a very childish penalty conceded by Barrios on Olmo gifted Lewandowski the 2-1 lead, once again leaving Ferran Torres looking sour on the bench. The Polish striker kept his position from the penalty spot, but blasted the ball high over the bar in an unintentional homage to Sergio Ramos's infamous penalty miss in a Champions League tie that Barcelona fans have turned into a meme. The veteran Lewy has now missed two penalties in La Liga this season; he needs to take a hard look at himself. And Flick should too. The manager needs to clearly define whose responsibility this is.

The first night at Camp Nou. After two matches played during siesta time, the still half-full Camp Nou opened its doors and lights to welcome a title contender. Football is remembered through its great nights, and this was also reflected in the atmosphere in the stands, which were more populated by club members than for the matches against Athletic Club and Alavés. The chaos of Saturday's ticket distribution was resolved in the old-fashioned way, and despite the fact that the supporters' section was covered with tarpaulins instead of people, the soundscape was once again vibrant. Let's hope for the same on the day of the Eintracht match...