Barcelona loses the LaLiga lead for the first time this season

The defeat of FC Barcelona against Atlético Madrid (1-2) marked a cruel end of the year for Hansi Flick's team. In addition to losing 3 points at home for the third consecutive match, the Catalans also let go of the LaLiga lead, which they had maintained solely since matchday 3. The azulgrana team was co-leader with Celta de Vigo in matchdays 1 and 2, but after their victory in Vallecas against Rayo (1-2), they stood alone at the top.

Last week, after the defeat against Leganés (1-2), Barça had already put the lead at risk, as both Atlético and Real Madrid still have a pending match. The 'White House', the rescheduled match against Valencia (matchday 12), and the 'rojiblancos' the match of matchday 18, which both culés and 'merengues' advanced due to the Supercopa de España dispute.

Barça could finish third in the first half of LaLiga

However, a victory against 'Aleti' would have allowed Barça to close 2024 at the top of the standings, waiting for what Madrid would do against Sevilla and Valencia. With the fall against Diego Simeone's team, this possibility not only fades away but also leaves Flick's team very close to finishing the first half in third place, six points behind the 'colchoneros'.

For this to happen, Atlético must win their match on matchday 19 (at home against Osasuna), while Madrid only needs to beat Sevilla at home this Sunday to surpass Barça in the standings. The azulgranas remained at 38 points, three less than Atlético (41). Carlo Ancelotti's team stays at 37 points and would reach 40 after defeating the Sevillians.