Barca secured a 2-1 victory over Atletico on the evening of 4/4 in La Liga's 30th round, extending their lead over second-placed Real to seven points. This win came after Real's surprising 1-2 loss to Mallorca earlier on Saturday, creating a crucial opportunity for the league leaders.

The match at the Metropolitano was an exciting encounter, marking the fourth time these two teams have met this season. Previously, Barca won 3-1 in the first leg of La Liga, while Atletico triumphed 4-3 on aggregate in the King's Cup semi-finals, following a 4-0 win and a 0-3 loss.

Both sides began with relentless attacks. Atletico's Antoine Griezmann narrowly missed an early chance, failing to convert a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Joan Garcia. At the other end, Lamine Yamal's lob struck the post, denying Barca an opener.

Rashford (right) celebrates a goal in Barca's 2-1 victory over Atletico in La Liga's 30th round on the evening of 4/4. Photo: QSI

The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Giuliano Simeone received a long pass from Clement Lenglet, controlled the ball, and fired it into the near corner past Barca's goalkeeper. However, their lead was short-lived, lasting only four minutes. Rashford, who had replaced Raphinha, played a quick one-two with Dani Olmo before breaking free and scoring with his left foot, leveling the score at 1-1 for Barca.

A significant turning point occurred in the second minute of first-half added time. Nicolas Gonzalez received a direct red card for fouling Yamal near the penalty area. The referee initially showed a red card to Barca's Gerard Martin as well. However, after a VAR review, it was determined that Martin touched the ball before his momentum led him to step on Thiago Almada's foot, leading to the overturning of the initial decision.

Lewandowski celebrates the decisive goal in the victory against Atletico in La Liga's 30th round on the evening of 4/4. Photo: Reuters

Playing with a numerical advantage throughout the second half, Barca dominated possession and pressed Atletico deep into their own half. Atletico's goalkeeper, Juan Musso, made two crucial saves in the 66th and 70th minutes against shots from Ferran Torres. Despite his efforts, the Argentine goalkeeper could not hold on for a point.

Barca sealed their victory in the 86th minute. Joao Cancelo's shot rebounded off Musso, struck Lewandowski, and then deflected into the net, securing a 2-1 win.

The reigning La Liga champions now hold 76 points after 30 matches, seven points ahead of Real. Atletico remains in fourth place with 57 points.

This La Liga match served as an exciting prelude to the two upcoming Champions League quarter-final matches between the two clubs. Barca will host Atletico at Camp Nou on the evening of 8/4, with the return leg at the Metropolitano scheduled for 14/4. The winner of this tie will advance to the semi-finals to face the winner of the Arsenal - Sporting match.

Thanh Quy