Marcus Rashford and Barcelona show a blueprint for winning without Raphinha
A big win against Atlético Madrid that puts the Blaugrana in the driver’s seat in La Liga
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 04: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona sure look like they’ve learned a lot since the devasting loss the last time they visited the Metropolitano. They didn’t blow away Atlético Madrid on Saturday , but they managed their way through a chippy affair that could have turned sideways.
Just the way Diego Simeone likes it. Atleti had their chances. Antoine Griezmann in particular missed two wide open goals in the first half that could have put Barcelona against the ropes.
Luck was on the side of the Blaugrana in this one. Nico González earned his red card, after a disastrous first half in which Lamine Yamal ran the Argentinian out of the building. Gerard Martín, however, was fortunate to escape the same fate in the opening minutes of the second period.
From there, Atleti were more than comfortable sitting deep, and playing for a draw while playing down a man. Barcelona, on the hand, knew this was a massive opportunity to extend their lead over Real Madrid by an additional three points after their rivals capitulated to Mallorca earlier in the day. It wasn’t a pretty game.