What a showcase this was for Clásico Mark II, the intoxicating collision between Barcelona's Catalan aristocrats and the poor relations from the capital. El equipo del pueblo, Atlético Madrid like to call themselves; most accurately translated, “the team of the proletariat”.
But there was nothing remotely artisan about this confrontation between the four-time champions of Europe and the ever persistent, ever pressing “Atléti”, who despite possessing barely a quarter of the Barça budget also happen to be the La Liga leaders. The outcome? A most honourable draw, as substitute Diego Ribas’ scintillating second-half hit was cancelled out by an equally extravagant flourish from Neymar.
that has become their habit, harassing and harrying the opposition with all their being, although sustaining such obduracy over 180 minutes is an arduous proposition. “This is the story of Atlético,” said Simeone. “They always play with their heart and strength, working and never giving up.”
By the finale there was a sense that Barcelona were finding their irrepressible rhythm once the shock of Ribas’ fabulous goal, a 25-goal spectacular strike that dipped and swerved in the air before arrowing into the top corner, had subsided.
Neymar’s riposte was almost as good, a beautifully-placed finish after Iniesta had put him through, and as referee Felix Brych sounded his whistle, few doubted that the blaugrana were firmly in the ascendancy. Still, every one of the four meetings with Atlético during this campaign have ended in draws. The knowledge that the fifth must yield a decisive result generates a gnawing pressure upon both clubs.
Via: The Telegraph