Barcelona lose 7-goal thriller as Spanish title race blown open

Updated on: 02 March,2009 08:57 AM IST |
AFP |

Sergio Aguero's late goal helped Atletico Madrid come from behind to beat Barcelona 4-3 yesterday and blow the Spanish title race wide open.

Sergio Aguero's late goal helped Atletico Madrid come from behind to beat Barcelona 4-3 yesterday and blow the Spanish title race wide open.

Barcelona, who led 2-0 and 3-2, have now failed to win in four matches and have seen their lead over Real Madrid cut from 12 points, just three weeks ago, to four.

Thierry Henry put Barcelona ahead with a fine strike from 25 yards which flew into the top corner after 18 minutes before Lionel Messi, on the half-hour mark, produced a trademark dribble before finishing in style.

Barcelona, who were stunned by struggling Espanyol last weekend, re-established their lead when Eidur Gudjohnsen unselfishly played in Henry for his second from close range in the 73rd minute.

But Atletico were not finished and Forlan again scored, this time from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, before Aguero struck in the 89th minute to win the match.

Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola insisted the defeat will not affect his team's title push.

Direct style
"We lost a game which was up and down, very exciting and I have to give credit to Atletico but we will now continue as before," he said.

"When we do not have the ball you have to concentrate. Atletico play a very direct style of football and it caused problems for us. It was a game with plenty of chances, typical of an Atletico Madrid versus Barcelona game.

"We have had a big advantage in the lead and they (Real Madrid) have cut it back by eight points in three weeks but we will continue forward."

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