From the outset, the numbers are striking. Barcelona controlled 71 per cent of possession and completed 606 of their 704 attempted passes. Atletico, by contrast, managed 210 successful passes from 282 attempts, barely a third of their opponents' total. The territorial imbalance was constant and suffocating.

Individually, Lamine Yamal was unstoppable in one-on-one situations. The winger completed 14 dribbles from 21 attempts, more than the entire Atletico side combined, who managed just nine successful dribbles in total. It was a vivid illustration of where the creative weight lay.

lamine yamal match stats vs atletico madrid

In midfield, Pedri orchestrated play with remarkable authority. He recorded a 90.1 per cent pass accuracy, completing 82 passes, 49 of them vertical and 22 into the final third.

Eleven were progressive passes and five were long balls, underlining both variety and intent. Defensively, he was flawless, winning all 10 of his duels and reinforcing his influence on both sides of the ball.

pedri match stats vs atletico madrid

pedri match stats vs atletico madrid

Behind him, Pau Cubarsi stepped into midfield to dictate build-up. The centre-back completed 109 of 114 passes, an extraordinary figure given the advanced zones in which he distributed possession. His composure allowed Barcelona to sustain wave after wave of pressure.

pau cubarsi match stats vs atletico madrid

The attacking figures further underline the imbalance. Shots finished 21-7, with 9-2 on target. Corners stood at a staggering 15-0.

Barcelona registered 34 touches inside the opposition box, compared to just 10 for Atletico. The Catalans did not merely control territory; they effectively camped in Juan Musso's penalty area, forcing the goalkeeper to make six crucial saves.

Barcelona registered 34 touches inside the opposition box

Yet this is where Atletico's escape takes shape. For all the pressure, Simeone's side defended with discipline and sacrifice.

Barcelona attempted 37 crosses, but only eight found a teammate. Atletico cleared the ball 31 times, relieving pressure almost once every three minutes.

The pass network visualisations tell the same story: Barcelona advanced relentlessly, while Atletico retreated into a compact, deep block. It was a perfect storm of possession, pressure and persistence from Flick's men.

But it was also a masterclass in resistance from Simeone's side, who survived a statistical battering to keep their hopes alive.

Atletico cleared the ball 31 times, relieving pressure almost once every three minutes

Pedri

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