The result ended Barca’s five-game winless streak against Atletico in all competitions and allowed the Catalan club to overtake Diego Simeone’s slide for fourth spot in the league standings.
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Barcelona boss Xavi was delighted by his team’s performance in the 4-2 La Liga win against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday. The 41-year-old spoke after the match about how his team “needed” a game like this but wants his players to remain “very humble” and don’t “slo down”. Yannick Carrasco gave Atletico Madrid the lead before Jordi Alba equalised with a sensational volley. Gavi put Barca’s nose in front and Ronald Araujo extended the home side’s lead. After the break, Alves netted Barca’s fourth of the night before Luis Suarez reduced the deficit for the visitors.
? Xavi on the big win over Atlético and making into the top four positions: pic.twitter.com/8P1am8wRyC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 6, 2022
Meanwhile, 20 minutes before time, Alves was sent off for a bad foul.The Brazilian stood on the back of Carrasco’s leg and the 38-year-old was shown a red card. The 38-year-old right-back became the first Barca player since 2004-05 to score, assist and be sent off in a La Liga game.
“With eleven we attacked very well and with ten we were supportive and we didn’t suffer too much,” he said.
“We needed a game like this, a victory against a great team and playing well. We matched their intensity and we were better, I think it can be a turning point.
“It’s a great victory, but we have to keep working. We have to be very humble, now we can’t slow down.”
Xavi also praised Adama Traore, who made his second debut for Barca after joining the club on loan from Wolves in the January transfer window. The 26-year-old played four times for Barca in 2013 and 2014. He provided the assists for Gavi to head home in the 21st minute.
“He’s a really mature player. He knows when to dribble, when to wait… he chose his moments well,” he said.
“Physically, he’s an animal, a beast. He’s a pure winger and he will help us. He’s a great signing and it was a great debut. Adama can make the difference. He’s strong, a great dribbler and he also helps in defence.”
Two minutes before the break, Gerard Pique’s header from Alves’ free-kick hit the crossbar and January signing Ferran Torres’ miscued scissor-kick fell to Araujo who made no mistake as he fired home from close range to double the lead.
In the 49th minute, Gavi’s low cross from the left flank found Alves just inside the box and the Brazilian smashed home to make the score Barca’s fourth goal of the night.
The result ended Barca’s five-game winless streak against Atletico in all competitions and allowed the Catalan club to overtake Diego Simeone’s slide for fourth spot in the league standings.
