There is a new leader in La Liga. Alexander Sorloth sent Atletico Madrid top of La Liga with a 96th-minute goal in a 2-1 win over Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana have led La Liga almost from the first game of the season, but Atleti have remained top in all competitions on a 12-match winning streak.
Barcelona have spent most of the season in the offside trap trying to protect the defense by shielding Inaki Pena in the net, but everything fell apart in the second half. Pedri scored in the first half to give Barcelona the lead at halftime. At the time, Diego Simeone’s men didn’t have a shot on target, but that would soon change.
Rodrigo De Paul took advantage of a defensive error to level the match and it looked like the points would be shared. Sorloth came in in the 73rd minute and took just one shot, but it was the shot that mattered. After fending off a Barcelona attack, Atleti went on the counter and Nahuel Molina’s cross found Sorloth and he would not miss.
The goal was crucial and opened up La Liga. Atletico Madrid is the leader in the league with a three-point lead, while they also have a game in hand. After a big summer with Soloroth, Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez, this Atletico Madrid team has reinvented itself from a defensive first team to one of the best attacks in the world. With 33 goals scored and only 12 goals allowed in La Liga, this not only puts Atleti at the top but also opens the door for their rivals Real Madrid.
It’s taken a while for Kylian Mbappe to join Los Blancos, but now they’re four points behind with a game in hand as the league heads into its winter break after this weekend. It’s now time for the teams to rest, but tonight is a celebration for Simeone and company as they top the league at Christmas.