Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid: What were the main talking points as Xavis' side make a heavyweight comeback to victory?

In what was a La Liga heavyweight showdown on Sunday afternoon, Barcelona made a welcome return to winning ways by claiming a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou.

Claiming a 1-0 victory when the two sides met in the Spanish capital for their reverse encounter on January 8, it was a similar story for Xavi's young side as they expanded their buffer at the top of the La Liga standings at 11 points.

With former Manchester City striker Ferran Torres finally claiming the winner just minutes before the half-time break, Barca also ended their three-game losing streak.

>

Reclaiming a heavyweight scalp in Catalonia and losing just one of their last five meetings against Los Colchoneros, the champions-elect also handed Atletico their first top-flight loss since early January.< /p>

Now one step away from securing a first La Liga trophy in three years, Barca were certainly back to their best here.

In a contest that has often proved to be a heated affair, we've taken a look at the main talking points at Camp Nou.

Xavi's side are within easy reach of La Liga history

While Barcelona may have come under scrutiny for another European nightmare this season, it's no secret that Xavi's side are making their way to the history books of La Liga.

With their only focus in 2023 based on securing a first domestic crown since 2019, Sunday's hosts have only continued to impress many with their Spanish antics this season.

While the Nou Camp hierarchy could face a series of public issues behind the scenes in Catalonia, the champions-elect have simply edged out the Spanish top flight this season.

With Sunday's 1-0 victory now taking their leeway against defending champions Real Madrid to 11 points, it's fair to say that Barca are now one step away from finishing the job.

Helped by Los Blancos' protracted domestic struggles this season, Xavi was rightly delighted to see his side show their mental resolve here.

Seen next making the trip to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night, Barcelona will be looking to wrap up their La Liga antics with a season-ending flurry.

Barca return to their best

While Barca may have known it would take an almighty collapse to stop them claiming a first La Liga crown since 2019, Xavi's side had suffered a brief wobble since returning from the international break of March.

Surprisingly out of the Copa del Rey on April 5 as they crumbled to a remarkable 4-0 second leg at home to Real Madrid, Catalonia fans were calling their side for a boost much needed here.

Opening Sunday's showdown at the Nou Camp after having to settle for back-to-back 0-0 stalemates against Getafe and Girona, Barca found themselves in the middle of a three-game winless streak in all competitions.

However, in getting back on track here and showing why they are the champions-elect, it's Barcelona's defensive determination that has been the backbone of their success this season.

In fact, now keeping a clean sheet in each of their last four La Liga appearances, the Spanish icons have also netted just a staggering nine strikes in their 30 top-flight competitions this year.

Atletico's domestic antics come to an abrupt end

While Atletico had long expected any shock title charge to be canceled for another season, Sunday's guests were enjoying what had been a long romp since returning from the winter break of the World Cup.

Although they were hit with a 1-0 defeat when they hosted the runaway leaders in Madrid for their reverse La Liga encounter on January 8, many in Simeone's camp had sensed the opportunity to cause a surprise among the heavyweights in Catalonia.

However, with just one more victory in one of their last five meetings against Barca, Los Colchoneros would have been hugely disappointed to have seen their six-game winning streak come to an abrupt end.

However, with their 1-0 defeat at the Nou Camp, Atletico's first La Liga defeat since early January, Simeone's side will be looking to prove that Sunday's toothless display was nothing more just a small problem.

En route to another top four finish, there is no doubt that Atletico's only ambition over the past few weeks is to snatch a silver medal from their local rivals.

Match report

Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Alonso, Balde, De Jong, Busquets, Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres

Subs: Fati, Garcia, Kessie, Pedri

Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Molina, Savic, Gimenez, Hermoso, Carrasco, Lemar, De Paul, Witsel, Griezmann, Correa