– Barcelona vs Atletico further opens up the race for this season’s La Liga title
– Both teams had to share the spoils at the Camp Nou with Atletico still on top of the standings
– Lionel Messi was brilliant in the encounter but the Argentine failed to find the net
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Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had to share the spoils as it ended 0-0 at the Camp Nou as the race for this season’s la Liga title intensifies.
A loss for either of the side will dim their chance of claiming the title, so they knew it was a blockbuster encounter.
League leaders Atletico made their intentions known as soon as the game kickstarted forcing Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen into action first.
He had to get down low to stop a shot from Thomas Lemar in the 3rd minute despite that Barcelona dominated position in the early exchanges.
In the 91th minute, Diego Simeone’s men came close again after Mario Hermoso advanced and crossed the ball towards Angel Correa, whose attempt was well blocked by Clement Lenglet.
The best chance of the first half fell to Lionel Messi in the 41st minute. Atletico Madrid have had almost all the chances, Messi drove forward and fired off a dangerous shot from one of his favourite shooting positions, but Jan Oblak got a touch on it to tap it wide.
Atletico thought they had taken the lead in the 71st minute, but Luis Suarez’ goal was disallowed.
Photo: Pedro Salado
Source: Getty Images
As Mateu Lahoz blew his whistle, Luis Suarez fired the ball into the back of the net.
And minutes before the end, Messi was fouled by Kondogbia in a dangerous position but the Argentine placed it just wide as it ended 0-0 at full time.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have played out a goalless draw in a very well-matched game.
The current table now has Atletico on 77 points and Barcelona on 75 points after 35 games, with Real Madrid on 74.
Manwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Brazilian superstar Neymar has signed a contract extension with Paris Saint Germain to keep him at the club until 2025.
The 29-year old revealed to the PSG club website that he decided to put pen to paper because he ‘felt happy’ at the French capital. In January, Neymar expressed his interest at staying at Parc de Princes amid heavy links to a return to Barcelona.
Source: Legit Nigeria
