The duet of Gavi, Sergio Busquets and De Jong can always be relied upon by Xavi compared to the midfield duo of Franck Kessie, Sergi Roberto and Sergio Busquets, when viewed up close they are less creative in providing sufficient placement space and ball flow for attackers so it is very difficult for Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres to score, proven by several previous disappointing Barcelona matches which achieved unsatisfactory results.
Even though Barcelona controlled the match, the finishing was still weak so that additional goals were not created in the second half. The victory over Atletico Madrid was very important for Barcelona to motivate the team to achieve satisfactory results in the remaining matches and at the same time make a distance of 11 points from Real Madrid in the second standings.
I saw a different form from Barcelona today compared to the previous two games which ended in draws. Pedri, Busquets and De Jong really effectively inhabit the Barcelona midfield which allows the attackers to get enough flow of the ball when attacking. Gavi came close to scoring, and so did Raphinha, but both only missed due to imperfect finishing.
Barcelona had to be content with a 1-0 win over their opponent Atletico Madri today, even that was a very important victory after losing 4 points in the previous two matches. 11 points ahead of Real Madrid still keeps Barcelona firmly at the top without much pressure.
I have to say in this match Barcelona got really lucky. Barcelona was lucky from the start of the match because, in the first minute of the match, Atletico Madrid did hit the crossbar. Imagine if that got in. Barcelona have probably had another draw. Then hard to make a comeback after going behind in the match so early on. Certainly going to win the title. I have very little doubt about that. Right now I am expecting Real Madrid to finish second.