Barcelona Stops Negative Meetings Against Atletico This Season

Barcelona were finally able to win the meeting against Atletico Madrid (Instagram/@fcbarcelona).

JAKARTA - Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said it was time to beat Atletico Madrid.

The Blaugrana made an extraordinary comeback to win the 4-2 match at Metropolitano in the 28th week of La Liga, Monday, March 17, 2025, early morning WIB.

Barcelona failed to beat Atmartico in the previous two meetings this season and greater disappointment comes as Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth put the home side 2-0 up with 20 minutes remaining.

However, the Blaugrana scored four goals, including two goals in injury time, to return to the top of La Liga, with the same points as Real Madrid and four points ahead of Atletico.

"It's time to win after three games (against Atletico) this season. The quality is good."

"I think today's game was for supporters, fans, for everyone in front of the television, it was an incredible game," Flick told a news conference after the game.

A brilliant effort by Robert Lewandowski brought Barcelona back to play in the 72nd minute. Substitute Ferran Torres then headed the ball to equalize six minutes later.

Lamine Yamal turned things around in the 92nd minute and there was still time for Torres to add to his second goal that day.

The Spanish star told ESPN it was very important to return to the top of La Liga ahead of the international break. Barcelona will not return to action until they host Girona on March 30, 2025.

"It's important to enter the break with a win and to be at the top of the table. Not only at the top, but also with one game that hasn't been played yet."

"It will give us confidence when we rise from there and try and widen our distance with other teams in the race for the title," Torres said.

However, Yamal also reflected on the night when not everything went according to Barcelona's wishes. He acknowledged that minor improvements were still needed to be the perfect team.

"I think the above intensity is what is missing (before rising). We're waiting to see what's happening rather than actually doing it."

"Until they score two goals, we don't really go forward and go forward. That shouldn't happen."

"That is something we have to improve on. It also happens in the Copa del Rey. If we can improve these small details, we can get closer to being the perfect team," said Yamal.

Barcelona have now won seven games in a row in La Liga, returning to the top of the standings in the process.

They also have one game more than Real Madrid and Atletico.

"The reaction after Atletico's second goal was incredible. Scored four goals in 20 minutes here against this team was great."

"I'm proud of this team. The mentality is very good. They never give up. Reactions on the pitch are incredible. Today is a great day for us."

"You can feel (the spirit) and see it in training. We want to practice as we wish. (The players) are very good."

"Right now, we are very confident in the way we want to play. Atletico is a fantastic team. They defended well. However, my team today is a better team," said Flick.

In total, Barcelona are now unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions. During that period they have won the Spanish Super Cup and advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will meet Borussia Dortmund next month.

They also still have a chance in the Copa del Rey, with the semifinal second leg against Atletico taking place in April 2025. The first leg ends 4-4 at Barcelona.

Flick dismissed the notion that the Blaugrana could win the quadruple this season, but he admits winning against Atletico is proof that they are capable of doing big things.

"It's hard, I know it's still far away. Right now, what I'm feeling is really good. I'm sure with the team that we can do big things together."

"There is still a long way to go, but we will try everything to win the title. Today's game gave us more confidence," Flick said when asked about winning many trophies this season.