Atlético defender Nahuel Molina was sent off in added time for a foul on Vítor Roque that prevented a breakaway
Atlético defender Nahuel Molina was sent off in added time for a foul on Vítor Roque that prevented a breakaway. Xavi was sent off before half-time for protesting.
It was Atlético’s first league defeat at the Metropolitan Stadium since January 2023, also 1-0 against Barcelona. It was also Atlético’s worst home defeat in any competition.
“Today they were better than us,” said Atlético coach Diego Simeone.
The victory increased Barcelona’s momentum after they eliminated Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time in four years.
Unbeaten in eight league games, Barcelona moved two points clear of third-place Girona, which lost 1-0 at Getafe on Saturday. Barcelona is eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, which beat Osasuna 4-2 on Saturday.
Atlético eliminated Inter Milan in the Champions League round of 16 at the Metropolitano on Wednesday, but have lost six of their last 10 games in all competitions, with just three wins in that run.
Simeone’s team was left out of the Champions League places with Sunday’s defeat. They are one point behind fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao, who beat Alavés 2-0 on Saturday.
