The final stretch of the first half of LaLiga was one to forget for FC Barcelona. The Catalan team arrived at the match against Atlético de Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with the obligation to secure three points to be crowned winter champions, but a last-minute goal from Sorloth sunk the Catalans, who lost the lead on the last matchday of 2024.
The sports crisis of the Blaugrana at the local level is extremely concerning, as in their last seven matches, they have only managed to secure one victory. Since the defeat against Real Sociedad in Anoeta (1-0), they have only managed to beat Mallorca (1-5), while being defeated by Las Palmas (1-2), Leganés (0-1), and Atleti (1-2) in Montjuïc, and sharing points against Celta in Vigo (2-2) and against Betis in Seville (2-2).
- Real Sociedad vs FC Barcelona: 1-0
- Celta vs FC Barcelona: 2-2
- FC Barcelona vs Las Palmas: 1-2
- Mallorca vs FC Barcelona: 1-5
- Betis vs FC Barcelona: 2-2
- FC Barcelona vs Leganés: 0-1
- FC Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid: 1-2
Barça Loses the Lead in LaLiga
A total of 5 points from the last 21 possible and the loss of the lead has been the consequence of Barça's terrible present in LaLiga. The comeback of the team led by 'Cholo' Simeone has allowed them to overtake in the standings (48), three points ahead of the Blaugrana (38) with one game in hand, so the lead could increase to 6 points.
Additionally, if Real Madrid manages to defeat Sevilla this Sunday, they would climb to second place, potentially surpassing Barça by two points (40) also with a pending match and the threat of increasing their lead to 5 points.
A critical and alarming situation for the Blaugrana, who will have a month off in LaLiga before facing Getafe on January 19. During this time, Hansi Flick will have to make decisions to radically change this situation and steer his team towards continuing to aspire to all titles in the second half of the season.