Atletico Madrid 0-1 Barcelona: Key talking points as Xavi's side lay down real scorer at Estadio Metropolitano

Laying down what was a true La Liga scorer on Sunday night, Barcelona secured what could prove to be a crucial 1-0 away win over Atletico Madrid.

Watching Real Madrid suffer a shock 2-1 defeat at Villarreal 24 hours before, Xavi's side managed to extend their buffer at the top of the table to three points as Ousmane Dembele notched a first-leg winner halftime here.

Taking advantage of what has been a stellar purple smudge either side of the World Cup break, the Spanish heavyweights have also put more pressure on an Atletico side which have continued to show a streak of strength. inconsistencies this season.

With Ferran Torres and Stefan Savic both showing their own late red cards after an altercation off the ball, fans around the Camp Nou will be excited for what was another eye-catching performance in the capital.

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In a true showdown between two former Spanish champions, we've taken a look at the main talking points from the Estadio Metropolitano.

Barca continue to fly under Xavi

Eventually finishing 13 points behind Los Blancos and reclaiming their domestic crown last season, few across Spain would have expected such a stellar rally from Barcelona this time around.

While the Spanish icons may have had to deal with public financial troubles of late, Xavi's young stars have only continued to a remarkable purple smudge either side of the World Cup break .

Watching their rivals suffer what could be a crucial mistake at Villarreal on Saturday afternoon, fans across Catalonia were calling for their side to establish a proper title scorer in the capital.

With the mood around the Nou Camp looking to be at its highest in recent memory, there's no doubt that Xavi's side are aiming to make more history in 2023.

Although Barca had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Espanyol when signing 2022 on New Year's Eve, Sunday's guests have now claimed 19 points in their last seven appearances in La Liga. Facing what a Super Cup showdown against Real Betis in midweek, Xavi's men really couldn't have wished for a better morale boost here.

Dembele proves his worth

Making the trip to Madrid on Sunday night, unable to call on attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski, some would have wondered who would step into the spearheading role of Barcelona's charge.

While there has once again been more speculation in recent weeks that Dembele could be set to leave Catalonia in the January transfer window, the France international has been in the news logs here.

Playing a crucial role as the Blues booked their ticket to the World Cup final last month, the former Borussia Dortmund starlet has become a vital part of Xavi's plans at Camp Nou.

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Only continuing to receive a string of praise from Xavi for his stellar performances this season, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a hugely impressive turnaround since putting pen to paper on a new contract.

Clearing away all reports of a potential change since returning from the festive break, Dembele has now registered 10 goals and provided assists in his 16 La Liga outings so far.

Return of pressure on Simeone?

While Atletico Madrid might have sealed 2022 with a 2-0 win at home to Elche on December 29, it looks like it was just a small boost for Diego's side Simeone.

Dropping out of the top four following Sunday's 1-0 loss at the Estadio Metropolitano, Los Colchoneros look set to face what could be a real tough fight in the new year.

Enduring a public Champions League nightmare this season and with no European competition on the horizon, there could be mounting pressure on Simeone's shoulders.

With the 52-year-old embroiled in a fallout with attacking talisman Joao Felix, Atletico have managed just one La Liga victory from any of their previous five appearances - a run that goes back to October 23.

With that sorry fate underscored by shock defeats to Mallorca and Cadiz, Sunday's hosts are desperate to find much-needed stability in 2023.

Similarly, with only one top-flight victory at the Metropolitano since early October, could Simeone's 12-year stint end sooner rather than later?

Match Report

Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Molina, Savic, Gimenez, Mandava, Llorente, Koke, Barrios, Carrasco, Griezmann, Felix

Subs: Lemar, Correa, Kondogbia, Reguilon, Morata

Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, de Jong, Busquets, Gavi, Dembele, Fati, Pedri

Subs: Alonson, Kessie, Torres, Raphina, Roberto

Goals: Dembele (22′)

Yellow cards: Atlético Madrid: Molina, Correa - Barcelona: Raphina, Christensen, Araujo

It's red...