Atletico Madrid Inflict First Defeat on Table Toppers Barcelona

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Atletico Madrid condemn Barcelona to first defeat of the season.

Goals from Diego Forlan and Simao sealed a momentous La Liga victory for the red and blue side of Madrid while doing their neighbours Real a huge favour at the Vicente Calderon stadium.

Barcelona travelled to Madrid knowing Real Madrid had won at Xerez the previous night 3-0 to close the gap to 2 points behind them at the top. The Catalans were strong favourites not surprisingly given Atletico’s position in the league of 16th before the match.

They were, however, missing a number of key players with their back line worst hit. Centre-backs Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez, right back Dani Alves, left back Eric Abidal and defensive midfielder Yaya Toure were all ruled out for this fixture.

Barcelona suffered another injury setback three minutes into the first half when Seydou Keita picked up a hamstring injury and was immediately replaced by Pedro.

Atletico started the brighter and took the lead after eight minutes when the impressive Jose Reyes beat a few Barcelona players and then played a through ball to Diego Forlan who cooly swept the ball into the net past Victor Valdes.

They nearly took a 2-0 lead, minutes later when Argentina international Sergio Aguero made a well timed run to outsmart the Barcelona defence and was through but tried to pass the ball square to Forlan when it would have been simpler to shoot and score.

The Madrid side did score their second goal after winning a free-kick just outside the box from the left after twenty-two minutes. Simao stepped up and curled the ball with a lot of pace into the right corner of the net. Valdes had no chance.

The current La Liga champions replied almost instantly five minutes later from a corner. Puyol flicked on a header to the back post where Zlatan Ibrihimovic volleyed in close range, his first goal since early December last year. It was 2-1 and game on.

In the second half Barcelona dominated possession with Atletico playing counter attacking football. The home side held on for the win on St Valentine’s day and it turned out to be a great weekend for both Madrid clubs.