CORNERFLICK
Atlético Madrid moved level on momentum with Barcelona after a seventh straight league win, leaving Sunday’s meeting at the Metropolitano with the top of La Liga on the line.
The title race has tightened
What looked settled after Barcelona’s strong start is open again. Atlético have taken 21 points from their last seven league matches and sit second after the latest round, with the gap to the leaders reduced to five points since the fourth week of the season.
Their run has included a win over Real Madrid, and Jan Oblak has conceded only two goals during it, one from the penalty spot. The team’s form has taken them up to second place and kept the title race alive heading into a meeting with the league’s current leaders.
Baena points to a growing rhythm
After the match, Álex Baena said the squad was in a positive spell. “We are in a very positive place, we feel more comfortable every day and understand each other better,” he said.
He added that players returning from injury or short post-World Cup breaks have now rejoined the group. “We are in good physical shape and we have to keep working as long as this run lasts,” Baena said.
Baena also said Barcelona still look out of reach for now, adding that Atlético must turn quickly to Tuesday’s Champions League match after doing their job in the league.