~Snip
What a match? 45 minutes into the first half and 5 goals have now been scored with Barcelona making a 3-goal comeback after being 2 goals down.
Atletico Madrid's two quick goals early in the first half were a surprise that could have made Barcelona's mentality collapse, but that didn't really happen. If Atletico Madrid leads by 2 goals in 6 minutes, Barcelona responds in 2 minutes. Of course, this was a good drama in the first half and Barcelona's success in winning 3-2 deserves appreciation.
Atletico surprised with their 2 quick goals in the first 6 minutes where Barcelona seemed to be still not too ready in attack but 2 quick goals in the span of 2 minutes in the 19th and 21st minutes clearly made the situation a little unexpected and the 3rd goal scored by Inigo Martinez now makes Barcelona turn the lead over Atletico in the first half this time.
Honestly, this was beyond my expectations as I felt that they would try a few things including stalling the game but what happened in the first half was really interesting to see.
Now I just expect the second half to play in the same pattern because it's very exciting for a big match where points are decisive to do with a game with this much tension.
Atletico Madrid's defense was too fragile when Barcelona pressed from all sides, but unfortunately Ferran Torres missed his two big chances. Pedri, Cubarsi, Inigo took advantage of goal opportunities well and that made Barcelona close the first half with a win. In the second half I think Atletico Madrid will make some adjustments in defense, Barcelona will also do it without having to reduce the intensity of attack. Yamal, Kounde and Pedri were really good in this game, but Raphinha and Ferran probably won't complete the game full time.
If Barcelona can play as well in the second half, then I think Atletico Madrid will have to accept defeat in this first leg with a record of conceding more than 4 goals. However, Barcelona must also remain focused on defense rather than total attack. Atletico Madrid is dangerous in building fast counter attacks, so Hansi Flick also still has to instruct his defenders not to get too far from his defensive area.
What a nice comeback by Barcelona, some clubs would've given up after the first two goals but Barca players didn't allow their misfortune to weaken then they pressed hard equalized and had a comeback; I just love their team work and how their attackers took advantage on Atletico's poor defence, it seems Atletico got too comfortable with the two goals they had; forgetting who they're playing against, they need to defend properly is they want to win or draw this match. Yamal keeps getting better in every match he's developing faster and I enjoy watching him play. Anyways, I know the second half would be more tougher than the 1st Atletico would be more careful and try to equalize with Someone needs to instruct his defenders more to avoid exposing their defense line.