Barcelona have moved back to 1-1 in their crucial La Liga clash against Atlético Madrid.
On a crucial night in Catalonia, both teams fight for the right to top the table at the start of 2025, with Barcelona only ahead on goal difference before kick-off.
The locals dominated the first half and the rojiblancos kept them at bay until the 30th minute.
Spanish international Pedri calmly put the hosts in front as a fair reward for their good start to the competition.
However, the second half changed in two crucial minutes on the hour mark when Raphinha’s clever shot bounced off Atlético Madrid’s crossbar.
That turned out to be the warning Atlético Madrid needed, as Julián Álvarez broke free and his cut fell towards Rodrigo De Paul on the edge of the area, for the Argentine to score the equalizer.
Rodrigo De Paul punishes the Barcelona defense! 👊
Atlético de Madrid fights for the leadership of LaLiga #BarcaAtleti | #ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/sCEe4h9itQ
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 21, 2024
— FCB WORLD (@FCB_World27) December 21, 2024
A draw keeps the table as it is overnight and Real Madrid can end 2024 as the surprise leaders if they beat Sevilla in their last game of 2024 tomorrow.
Images via Getty Images / One Football