MARCA.com (Spain), September 21, 2016

Atletico Makes Barça Run for it

By Pablo Egea

The two points that escaped the Camp Nou against Atletico might have been the least worrisome for Can Barça during the clash against Los Colchoneros. Messi’s hands on his groin and his worried expression alarmed Barça fans, who felt the same pain their star player did. It didn’t happen because of the tie in the Cuidad Condal but seeing the intensity with which both teams played, perhaps it’s not so strange.

Seeing the soccer performance that Barcelona put on during the first half, few expected the subsequent events. The Blaugrana monopolized the ball, enclosed on Atletico Madrid in their goal area and did not let a play by Simeone – who only caught his breath when he returned to the locker room – take place.

The culés recovered near the front of their opponents’ goal, as Pique acted almost like another midfielder as he made sure the opponent didn’t cross the sidelines as Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto became real threats. Camp Nou enjoyed the moment while Atletico didn’t know what direction to go in.