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Atletico Madrid, led by master Diego Simeone, defeated Barcelona to retake the lead.
Atletico enjoyed a thrilling 2-1 victory against Barcelona in the 19th round of Spain's Primera Liga in the 2024-2025 season at Estadi Olympic Ruiskompanis in Barcelona, Spain on the 22nd (Korea time) thanks to Alexander Seurlott's theater comeback goal in the 6th minute of extra time in the second half.
As a result, Atletico won seven consecutive league games starting with Las Palmas (2-0 wins) on the 3rd of last month, combining Mallorca (1-0 win), Alaves (2-1 win), Valladolid (5-0 win), Seville (4-3 win), and Getafe (1-0 win). Atletico, which scored its 41st point (18 games) by adding three points, retook the lead by beating second-place Barcelona (38 points, 19 games) by three points. Barcelona lost the lead for the first time this season in the final match of the first half.
Atletico also crossed the Barcelona wall for the first time in about three years since beating Barcelona 2-0 at home in October 2021. In the meantime, he had five encounters and lost all five games. Although it was played at a temporary home stadium due to the construction of Camnu, Atletico won the last time they won an away match in Barcelona in February 2006 (3-1 wins) before Simeone took over.
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Atletico were dragged away in the 30th minute by giving Pedri the first goal. Pedri quickly caught the ball that flowed out of the opponent's camp during ball control and scored the first goal with a calm shot. It was a movement reminiscent of Andrés Iniesta. The first half ended with the home team Barcelona leading by one goal.
Atletico, which had won 11 consecutive games, including the Cup, did not collapse as it was. Two counterattacks turned the game around. In the 15th minute of the second half, Barcelona midfielder Mark Casado's clearance of the opponent's cross gave Rodrigo de Paul the perfect chance. 'Messie's guardian angel'De Paul equalized with a sharp shot that cut through the bottom of the right goal.
In the 6th minute of extra time in the second half, the reverse goal was made by the replacement players. In the counterattack situation, Nahuel Molina's cross from the right side to the gate was stabbed by Sølrot with a non-stop left-footed shot to shake the net. Seurlot, who showed a strong side in Barcelona's away game, gave his team a valuable victory with his eighth goal of the season.
Atletico have a good chance to win their 12th La Liga championship in four years since the 2020-2021 season.
Meanwhile, Atletico are a team that has recently been linked to Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and transfer rumors. A Spanish media reported that Atletico are interested in recruiting Son Heung-min, who will be released as a free agent next summer. It also drew attention by adding that Atletico had already contacted Son Heung-min's side unofficially.
Son Heung-min has yet to renew his contract with Tottenham ahead of the expiration of his contract next summer, so he has reached the point of making a 'European tour' with only transfer rumors. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Galatasaray have recently been linked to Son Heung-min. However, all media with public confidence are reporting that Tottenham and Son Heung-min will first activate the one-year extension option in the contract.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
