Depay saves Barcelona, ​​Joao Felix leads Atletico to the top four

Posted in: 06/03/2022 – 23:38Modified : 06/03/2022 – 23:36

Colchoneros scored a quick goal in the second minute thanks to Joao Felix and joined just before the break (45 + 6) in a superb recovery off the left of Cristian Tello. But they were able to snatch victory thanks to a new goal from the Portuguese jewel, served in the 61st minute by the fiery Marcos Llorente, then Thomas Lemar signed with a final goal at the conclusion of a wonderful work for Antoine Griezmann on the right wing (80). .

A key success on the grass for a direct opponent in the race for the qualifying spots for the Champions League, ten days before the round of 16 return of C1 at Old Trafford against Manchester United (1-1 in the first leg).

The first half electrically and punctuated by injuries set the tone for the match. In a near-perfect Benito Villamarin match, Betis lost Andres Guardado in the 11th minute (replaced by striker Christian Tello), and Simeone had to deal with injuries to Sime Vrsaljko (replaced by Yannick Carrasco in the 21st minute) and Angel Correa (replaced by Antoine Griezmann at 26).

But the Rojiblanco seat made all the difference.

Ironically, this was in the first period when the people of Madrid scored their first winning ball: in the 35th minute, a ready goal, three against the goalkeeper, was spoiled by an inaccurate pass from Yannick Carrasco that was blocked by William Carvalho. And in 55, Felipe touched the base of the post after a header from a corner kick.

For Betis, led by Nabil Fekir, this setback at home is a disgrace, between qualification for the King’s Cup final that was verified on Thursday, and the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 against Eintracht Frankfurt scheduled for Wednesday.

Thank you Depay

Earlier in the afternoon, FC Barcelona dominated Elche (2-1) on the wire to miraculously climb to the podium.

The Catalan team received a goal from Fidel shortly before the end of the first half (44) on a cross from the left side after a pass from Pedri wasted, but it equalized with an opportunistic goal from Ferran Torres (61), and advanced in the 84th minute. A penalty kick turned by the Dutch striker after Antonio Barragan’s hand in the area.

A penalty struck hard in the right corner which miraculously extends the sweet momentum of the Blaugranas (four wins in four matches), four days before the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 at the Camp Nou against Galatasaray on Thursday.

Despite the three points, Xavi can scratch his head. Because even Pedri, the prodigy praised by the Catalan technician, was spending a day without anyone, south of Alicante.

Ter Stegen, main de fer

Fortunately, Ter Stegen once again saved his people from a huge stampede. With a quick showdown, the German goalkeeper pushed the recovering Beer Milla who was headed straight into the hatch over the bar in the 64th minute, thus keeping his team afloat.

And at 90+5, at an electric end of the match where two potential Elche penalties were denied, Ter Stegen stretched his entire body to turn a header from Guido Carrillo and preserve the win.

Elche may regret it. This defeat at home does not guarantee the continuation of maintenance (14th place with 29 points, five points from the first touchdown).

For the Catalans, who continue their process of moving up the world rankings, this happy success is a hiding place. They will have to do a better job, Thursday against Galatasaray, to continue the European adventure.

© 2022 AFP