With 20 minutes left at the Metropolitano and Barca 2-0 down to an Atleti side that had punished the visitors for their lack of awareness on two occasions, no one could’ve foreseen how the game would turn in favour of Hansi Flick’s side.
The joy on Diego Simeone’s face when Alexander Sorloth bagged yet another goal against the Blaugranes suggested that he, along with the vast majority of the crowd, believed that the Rojiblancos were about to do the double over Barcelona and pick up a vital three points in the process.
Not to mention putting another dent in Barca’s La Liga title hopes.
Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Thanks to an almost immediate riposte from Robert Lewandowski, hitherto an anonymous presence in the game, the Catalans were at least given the chance of getting back in the match, perhaps aware that Atleti would tire in the later stages because of their midweek Champions League exertions.
To have taken advantage in the manner they did suggests this is a squad with the bit between its teeth in terms of getting over the line in the title race.
As sloppy as Barca had been for large parts of the first 70 minutes, so they were rampant when it mattered, Ferran Torres’ beautiful run into space making it easy for Raphinha to find him as Barca drew level.
With all of the momentum now with the visitors, there was plenty of time to complete another epic remontada.
Whilst this one won’t be as momentous as the 6-1 vs PSG, it could prove to be more important.
Lamine Yamal’s shot in injury time took the wind out of Atleti’s sails with Torres’ coup de grace ending the game as a contest.
Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Down at one stage but never out, like the boxer that won’t be beaten, Barca got up off the canvas, dusted themselves down, threw out a few jabs and then landed the killer blow to end any hopes that Atleti might have of winning the title.
Make no mistake, it’s a two horse race now, and it’s Barca’s to lose.
Level on points with Real Madrid but with a game in hand, if they can beat Los Blancos and win that game in hand - as long as other results go the plan - Hansi Flick will be celebrating at least one title this season.
They’ll probably fancy their chances of ruining Atleti’s cup hopes now too.
This team just doesn’t know when it’s beaten and that is a quality that wins you titles.