Depay saves Barcelona and Joao Felix pushes Atletico to...

Atletico Madrid re-launch! Real Madrid beat Betis Sevilla (3-1) on Sunday at the Benito Villamarin stadium and climbed to fourth place, two points behind their evening rivals, and drew with the winning Barcelona 2-1 in Elche.

The joy of the Portuguese striker for Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix, after his goal, which he scored in the Real Betis meadow, at the end of the twenty-seventh day of the Spanish League, March 6, 2022

Christina Koekler – AFP

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.

Elche midfielder Fidel Chavez celebrates after opening the scoring at home against Barcelona, on the 27th day of La Liga, March 6, 2022

Jose Jordan – Agence France-Presse

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.

The joy of the Dutch Barcelona striker, Memphis Depay, after scoring the second goal from a penalty kick at Elche Stadium, during the 27th day of the Spanish League, March 6, 2022.

Jose Jordan – Agence France-Presse

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, an iron hand –

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.

Barcelona’s German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen during the first round match of the Spanish League against Elche on February 24, 2021 at the Camp Nou

LLUIS GENE – AFP/Archives

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.