A comeback victory and LaLiga lead extended. FC Barcelona looked back to their best in this game against Atlético Madrid brought forward due to the Spanish Super Cup. Despite going a goal down, goals from Raphinha, Olmo and Ferran late on helped the blaugranes to further extend their lead at the top of the domestic league.

A big game for the biggest stage. With virtually a full house watching on, the game tipped in favour of the blaugranes from kick-off, as Hansi Flick's side were back pressing hard in attack and showing decisiveness in defence from the off. Lamine and Raphinha made the first inroads out wide, while Lewandowski was doing well at holding up the ball and bringing others into play, culminating in a shot that went over the bar from Raphinha (min. 8).

 

Atlético Madrid take the lead

It was after another Barça move that Atlético Madrid grabbed the opening goal, Nahuel Molina with a first time long ball for Álex Baena to run on to and score past Joan Garcia, a goal that was initially ruled offside before VAR intervened (1-0, min. 19).

Blaugranes level

The goal didn't subdue the blaugranes though, rather the opposite, and like last season, Barça grew stronger through adversity and the equalising goal soon followed, Pedri was purring again, and his long ball to Raphinha saw the Brazilian keep his composure to round Oblak and make it 1-1 (min. 26).

The Catalans were now on the ascendancy and Balde went close, before Olmo was brought down in the area close to half-time. Lewandowski stepped up, but his penalty flew over the bar. The striker soon had chance to make amends in a one-on-one with Oblak, but the Slovenian keeper saved well (min 37). Half-time score, 1-1.

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Olmo gets next goal

Barça's dominance waned somewhat after the restart as the side from Madrid came out looking to impose themselves on the game and the match became evenly poised. However, the blaugranes kept probing and ultimately Lewandowski managed to squeeze the ball through to Olmo who got the second (min 65). Hansi Flick then sent on reinforcements in Rashford and Ferran to replace both creator and scorer of the second goal, while Simeone also sent on substitutes, including Sorloth who did damage for his side last season.

The changes made the difference for the visitors, who took control of proceedings somewhat. However, a great combination between Rashford and Pedri was a sign that the blaugranes were still dangerous going forward and the team remained resolute at the back despite increasing pressure from the visitors.

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Final flourish

Albeit the game became fraught towards the end, the final say came from substitute Ferran Torres, who scored the third to close out the 3-1 victory, with a sense that the best version of Barça was back. A great win against a great rival who have proved difficult in recent times and the first great night at the new Spotify Camp Nou.

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