Atlético de Madrid celebrated a goal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano against FC Barcelona in LaLiga this Sunday, 1,254 days after former Barça striker Luis Suárez scored the definitive 2-0 in favor of the 'colchoneros' on matchday 8 of LaLiga 2021-22. In the last two visits to the 'rojiblanco' fortress, Barça secured three points without conceding any goals (0-1 in 22-23 and 0-3 in 23-24).
After a fairly even first half, with few clear goal-scoring opportunities, the 'colchonero' team struck again against Barça in stoppage time. After a high shot from Robert Lewandowski, following a filtered pass from Pedri that left the '9' in an ideal position to finish, Oblak's goal kick turned into the opening goal for the locals. Antoine Griezmann controlled the Slovenian's goal kick, switched sides to set up Giuliano Simeone, and the winger passed it to the center of the area where Julián Álvarez appeared to finish with a touch.
Once again, the Argentine forward managed to break through the resistance of Wojciech Szczesny, who had very little work until that moment. The Barça team, which went from bad to worse in the first half, also did not have many clear opportunities. Lamine Yamal had the best chance at the start of the match, receiving a pass from Dani Olmo on the flank that, thanks to a great controlled touch, allowed the '19' to position himself to finish. Unfortunately, his shot went slightly wide, grazing the base of the post.
Barça breaks a streak of two matches without conceding at the Metropolitano
The aforementioned goal by Luis Suárez occurred on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Ronald Koeman was still the Barça coach, and Atleti secured the victory in the first half. Thomas Lemar put the locals ahead in the 23rd minute, and in the 44th minute, the Uruguayan striker scored. That season, the title remained in the trophy cabinet of Real Madrid, while Barça finished as runners-up with 73 points, 13 behind the 'merengues'. The 'colchonero' team finished third, with 71.
⚽Barcelona's league visits to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano (2017-2024):
| Season | Date - Matchday | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2017/18 | 10/14/2017 - Matchday 8 | Atlético 1-1 Barça |
| 2018/19 | 11/24/2018 - Matchday 13 | Atlético 1-1 Barça |
| 2019/20 | 12/01/2019 - Matchday 15 | Atlético 0-1 Barça |
| 2020/21 | 11/21/2020 - Matchday 10 | Atlético 1-0 Barça |
| 2021/22 | 10/02/2021 - Matchday 8 | Atlético 2-0 Barça |
| 2022/23 | 01/08/2023 - Matchday 16 | Atlético 0-1 Barça |
| 2023/24 | 03/17/2024 - Matchday 29 | Atlético 0-3 Barça |