Barcelona step closer to national title after narrow win over Atlético Madrid

Barcelona moved another step closer to the championship of Spain. Coach Xavi’s formation won 1-0 against Atlético Madrid, ranked No. 3, at their own stadium on Sunday. Real Madrid, which won Saturday against Celta de Vigo (2-0), is the first pursuer on 11 points.

Just before halftime, Barcelona took the lead through Ferran Torres: he scored with a controlled slide from the edge of the box on a pass from Raphinha.

Frenkie de Jong rejoined FC Barcelona. The midfielder has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for over a month. He was substituted in the 78th minute.

The Dutch international’s comeback was significant, Xavi said afterwards. “Without shortchanging the others, but Frenkie brought calm to our game again. So did Pedri. These guys are crucial for us. They understand the game and almost always do something right on the ball.” Pedri, also fit again, came on as a substitute after about an hour.

Memphis Depay could not join Atlético Madrid in the duel with his old club due to injury.

Barcelona had drawn the last two matches in the league 0-0, against Girona and Getafe. Before that, the club lost hopelessly (0-4) in the cup at home to Real Madrid.