The La Liga title decider between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid took place at the Camp Nou this evening.
Barcelona needed the three points to retain the title, but a point would have been enough for Atletico to win their first league championship since 1996.
The home side entered the interval with a one-goal lead following a brilliant strike from Alexis Sanchez.
Atletico were level early in the second half, however, when Diego Godin thumped a powerful header into the bottom corner.
Barcelona had a number of attacking chances late on, but could not make the breakthrough as Atletico won the title.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Well, it all comes down to this. The 2013-14 La Liga campaign will draw to a close this weekend, with the title still in the balance. Real Madrid, who are currently in action against Espanyol, dropped out of the race last weekend, leaving Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to battle it out. Both sides have stuttered in recent weeks and indeed passed up glorious opportunities to take control of the race, but it will all be decided at the Camp Nou. Will it be Barcelona or Atletico? Let me bring you the team news...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Fabregas, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Pedro
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Gabi, Koke; Turan, Costa, Villa
So there we have it. Barcelona are able to recall Gerard Pique to their starting XI following a hip injury. Neymar and Jordi Alba, meanwhile, return to the bench. There is no place in the midfield for Xavi, however, with head coach Gerardo Martino opting for Cesc Fabregas alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, has put his faith in former Barcelona forward David Villa, who has struggled for goals in recent months. Spain's all-time leading scorer starts alongside Diego Costa, while Tiago is preferred to Mario Suarez in holding midfield. The rest of the Atletico XI is certainly as expected.
Barcelona currently sit second in the La Liga table, three points behind the leaders Atletico. However, three points would be enough for the Catalan outfit to retain the crown due to a superior head-to-head record (the reverse match at the Vicente Calderon ended goalless). There has been criticism of the head-to-head rule in Spain, but Barcelona also have a significantly better goal difference.
Atletico, meanwhile, need just a point to pick up their first Spanish title since 1996. As it transpired, Barcelona's dropped points at Elche meant that victory against Malaga last weekend would have secured the title for Diego Simeone's side, but the capital outfit were held to a 1-1 draw. As mentioned, Real Madrid dropped out of the running last weekend after losing 2-0 at Luis Enrique's Celta Vigo.
Overall, it has been a frustrating campaign for Barcelona. Head coach Gerardo Martino has been criticised for a perceived change of playing style this season and it is widely expected that the Argentine will leave in the summer, even if he secures the title. Former Barcelona midfielder and Barcelona B boss Luis Enrique is the favourite to take charge. However, talk of the future is very much on hold until after this match.
The Catalan outfit made it to the final of the Copa del Rey this season, but were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid, while they exited in the quarter-finals of the Champions League to Atletico. They seemed out of the La Liga race after dropping home points against Getafe a couple of weeks ago, but have been allowed back into the picture. A season without a major trophy would be disastrous there is no question about that.
Barcelona's league record this season is played 37, won 27, drawn five and lost five. They have dropped just four points on their own patch, however, with Valencia picking up a surprise win and Getafe securing a draw earlier this month. They are also the league's top scorers on their own patch (63). It has been somewhat of a struggle on the road, however, with four draws and four defeats in their 19 matches.
In truth, Barcelona have not looked title winners this season. They were impressive in the early stages of the campaign, but an injury to Lionel Messi and loss of form for the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Pedro has contributed to their struggles. They have won just two of their last four in the league and both of those were somewhat fortuitous. They had to come from 1-0 down against Athletic Bilbao to win 2-1 on April 20, before overturning a 2-0 deficit to Villarreal one week later. It has been far from vintage Barcelona.
Following the 2-2 draw against Getafe on May 3, a number of their first-team players conceded the title. However, Atletico could not take advantage. Simeone's side booked their spot in the final of the Champions League against Chelsea on April 30, but have not won since – losing 2-0 at Levante on May 4, before drawing 1-1 with Malaga last weekend. There have been signs that their remarkable season is catching up with them.
Atletico have won the Spanish title nine times, but not since 1996 have they managed to claim first position. Indeed, they have won it just once since 1977, which is an indication of what an incredible season it has been. With Barcelona and Real Madrid sure to come back stronger next season and Atletico facing the possibility of losing key players this summer, they might not get a better chance to win the league.
Atletico's league record this season is played 37, won 28, drawn five and lost four. Their home record has been brilliant with 15 wins and four draws from their 19 matches, but they have had some problems on the road – losing to the likes of Almeria, Osasuna and Levante. Last time out against Malaga, meanwhile, they really struggled without leading scorer Costa, who is in the XI this afternoon.
Atletico would have expected to pick up more than one point from their last two league games against Levante and Malaga and had they done so, the title would have already been done and dusted. The same could be said for Barcelona, however, and Simeone would have certainly taken this position at the start of the season.
Barcelona's campaign ends after this match, but that is not the case for Atletico, who have the small matter of a Champions League final against Real Madrid next weekend. Regardless of what happens, it has been a sensational season for the club, but failing to pick up at least one title for their efforts would be seen as a major disappointment and difficult to bounce back. There are little over 15 minutes until kickoff.
The two sides have met five times across three separate competitions this season. Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup on away goals back in August after a 1-1 draw at the Calderon was followed by a goalless draw in the Camp Nou. As mentioned, the league match in Madrid ended goalless, before Atletico knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League with a 1-0 home win after the clash at the Camp Nou had finished 1-1.
In terms of goals scored this season, Barcelona are the second-highest scorers in the league with 99 – 28 of which have come from Messi, who has recently agreed a new deal with Barca which will see him become the best-paid player in the world. Atletico, meanwhile, have registered 76 times, with Costa netting 27 of those. Down the other end, Atletico have the best defensive record having conceded just 25 times and kept 20 clean sheets, while Barcelona are next in the section – conceding 32 times and keeping 16 clean sheets.
PREDICTION: It is such a difficult match to call. Four of the five meetings this season have ended in draws and that would be enough for Atletico to win the title. Barcelona therefore will be the team that forces the issue, but Atletico have, arguably, the best defence in European football. My score prediction is a goalless draw, which would see Atletico claim their first league crown since 1996.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Will it be Barcelona or Atletico for the title?
Plenty of respect between both sets of players inside the tunnel. Handshakes, hugs and the like. Just a reminder that Barcelona need three points to win the title, but a point would be enough for Atletico to claim the crown. You can just sense the tension inside the stadium as Barca get the first period underway.
As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. Atletico have played this game before and will just sit in and absorb the pressure. Atletico do gain a period with the ball in the middle of the park, but the sequence comes to an end when Mascherano blocks a low Costa cross.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Messi spins on the edge of the box before finding Alves, who rolls a low cross into Iniesta, but his effort is wide of the post. The home side continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Atletico have been able to repel the danger thus far and indeed offer a counter-attacking threat.
BOOKING! The first yellow card of the match is handed to Pique as the Barcelona centre-back fells Koke and presents Atletico with a free kick outside the box. Gabi will take...
... the resulting free kick is delivered into Miranda, but his header is straight into the arms of Pinto. Plenty happening at both ends as Barcelona break with Adriano, but Turan is across to clear once more.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Adriano finds some space inside the box before attempting to place one past Courtois, but the Atletico stopper makes the save. Incredible intensity to the opening seven minutes.
Barcelona threaten once more as Sanchez battles for possession on the right before feeding Fabregas, who rolls a low pass towards Messi, but Godin is across to clear once more. Atletico are struggling to get out of their own half at the moment, but are comfortable in defending the pressure from the current champions.
CHANCE! Atletico come close to taking the lead as Juanfran delivers a dangerous cross towards Costa, but Pique just manages to turn over his own crossbar. The resulting corner falls for Turan, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Good spell for the away side in the last few minutes.
Neither side is really in control of the contest at the moment as both continue to enjoy periods of possession in the final third. Barcelona break down the left with Iniesta before switching it right to Alves, but his cross is cleared by Godin, before Atletico break down the other end with Costa.
INJURY! Costa has hit the deck for Atletico and will have to be replaced here. Oh what a blow for the capital outfit. This is just disastrous for the Spanish outfit. What a moment.
SUB! Costa is indeed replaced by Adrian. Advantage Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the last couple of moments, with Costa almost inconsolable on the bench. Could that mean he is out of the Champions League final next week? Barcelona seem to have taken advantage in terms of possession with Messi and Pedro more involved in the final third.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Adriano delivers a dangerous cross into the Atletico box, but Godin is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The capital outfit attempt to break moments later with Turan, but Fabregas fells the Turkish international. Still goalless with 19 minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
Turan is moving better following that clash with Fabregas - at last some good news for Atletico on the injury front. Barcelona continue to force the issue in the final third with Pedro, but his pass towards Iniesta is cleared by Koke. Atletico just need to settle with a period of possession as the pressure continues.
SUB! Oh my word. Turan hits the ground once more and cannot continue. As a result, Raul Garcia enters the field. Diego Simeone cannot believe it. He has lost two of his best players in this match.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Barcelona as Sanchez meets a cross from Alves, but his header is straight into the arms of Courtois. It is all going the way of the home side at the moment.
Half-chance for Atletico this time as Koke meets a loose ball on the edge of the Barcelona box, but Pique is on hand to make a fine block. The resulting corner is delivered into Garcia, but his header is over the crossbar. Still goalless after 27 minutes, but there has been plenty of incidents at the Camp Nou.
Another heading chance for Barcelona as Alves finds Pedro inside the Atletico box, but his effort is over the crossbar. Another good opportunity for the home side, but still the score remains level. Just a reminder that Atletico have lost both Costa and Turan to early injuries this evening. Two big, big players for the club.
Barcelona continue to force the issue in the final third as Messi combines with Iniesta before driving into the box, but Miranda is on hand to clear the danger. The referee, meanwhile, has been called into action on a number of occasions in the last few minutes following a host of late challenges from both teams.
Wonderful noise inside the stadium, but not too much is happening on the field at the moment. Barcelona continue to enjoy more of the ball, but Atletico are comfortable in dealing with the threat. In truth, it has been a mirror of the five games that we have already seen this season between the two Spanish rivals.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Atletico (Sanchez)
Barcelona take the lead with 34 minutes on the clock and it is a wonderful strike from Sanchez. The Chilean meets a chest touch from Messi before striking one into the top corner. Incredible finish!
It was going to take something special to open the scoring this evening and Sanchez has produced a wonderful effort. As it stands, Barcelona will win the title on the head-to-head record. Can Atletico respond?
BOOKING! Atletico defender Godin is booked following a late challenge on Sanchez.
BOOKING! Another booking for Atletico as Tiago comes through the back of Fabregas.
It is the home supporters making a quite wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, but this match is far from over. Atletico have lost two of their best players in this half, but still have the individuals to turn this match around. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Barcelona.
Barcelona continue to force the issue in the final third, but Atletico are surviving. Another goal for the home side and it would be difficult for Atletico to respond. Just a reminder that as it stands, Barcelona would win the league, but Atletico need just a draw. Still plenty of football to play before the night ends.
Strong spell of pressure from Atletico in the last couple of minutes with Luis taking up a more advanced role down the left. Garcia is the target for two long throws from the Brazilian, but Pique and Mascherano take it in turns to clear the danger. Atletico force a corner moments later, but Pinto punches clear under pressure.
Strong end to the half from Atletico as the away side force two more corners in quick succession. Koke delivers the latter towards Tiago, but Barcelona manage to clear once more. Still 1-0 to Barcelona.
Sensational defending from Alves as the Barcelona right-back produces a sensational header following a deep cross from Luis. Pinto was nowhere near it and has flapped at a couple of crosses in the last few minutes.
We are into the second of three additional minutes at the Camp Nou and it is all one-way traffic. Atletico continue to threaten in wide areas before Adrian finds Garcia, but his low effort is wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Atletico
BOOKING! Barcelona's Busquets picks a booking for something he said while leaving the field.
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 1-0 courtesy of a wonderful strike from Sanchez. There has not been too much in terms of clear chances for Atletico, however, who lost both Costa and Turan to injury early on. As it stands, the home side will be La Liga champions.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have had more of the ball with 63%, while they have had five attempts - three of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target just once from their six attempts. The referee has also issued three bookings in what has been a feisty half of football.
BENCH WATCH: Barcelona have the likes of Neymar, Tello and Xavi on an attacking bench this evening. Atletico, meanwhile, have, as mentioned, already been forced into two changes with Adrian and Garcia replacing Costa and Turan. Simeone will perhaps look to either Sosa or Diego if he makes another change.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Barcelona will win the title, but there is still plenty of football to play. Atletico get the second half underway.
BOOKING! Just to confirm, Lionel Messi was also booked for Barcelona while leaving the field in the latter stages of the first period. The Argentine joined Sergio Busquets in the book.
POST! WOW! Atletico come close to levelling in the early stages of the half as Villa spins inside the box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort smashes the foot of the post. Atletico look like a different team in the early stages of the second half. Brilliant response.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Atletico as Villa collects a through pass from Koke inside the Barcelona box, but Alves just does enough to challenge the Spaniard. One-way traffic!
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Atletico (Godin)
Atletico level! It had been coming! Sensational header from Godin as the centre-back powers his effort into the bottom corner following a corner from Koke. Just what Atletico deserve at the Camp Nou.
Good grief what a start to the second period! There has been hardly time to take a breath in the last couple of moments as the pressure from Atletico continues. As it stands, the capital outfit will be champions.
Barcelona just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Atletico continue to float balls into the Barcelona box. It has been some response from Atletico. What did Diego Simeone say to his players at the interval? Adrian drives into the Barcelona are moments later, but Pique is across to clear the danger.
Slight stoppage in play in the last couple of moments as Busquets hits the ground in the middle of the pitch. It seems that the central midfielder could be in trouble here. It has gained the Catalan side some respite.
Atletico want a free kick on the edge of the Barcelona box as Adriano dives into a challenge with Adrian, but the referee is not interested. All of the football is coming from Atletico at the moment, with Barcelona struggling for possession in the final third. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
SUB! Barcelona are forced into their first change as Song replaces the injured Busquets.
The players are dropping like flies at the moment as Busquets is forced to depart. Both sides have more players warming up on the sidelines, but Atletico have just one permitted change remaining. Just a reminder that as it stands, Atletico will win the league. However, I have a feeling that there are more goals to come.
Opportunity for Barcelona to threaten from a free kick as Garcia brings Iniesta to the ground. The resulting set piece is delivered towards Song, but Godin makes a fine block. Barcelona have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the last few minutes, but clear chances have been at a premium at the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with both sides enjoying periods with possession of the ball. Just a reminder that Barcelona need to win if they are to retain the title. It would not be a surprise to see Neymar enter proceedings in the next five minutes or so.
SUB! And there it is. Neymar enters the field in place of Pedro.
Both managers have made two of their three changes this evening. The last one becomes so important. Barcelona continue to enjoy possession of the ball, but Atletico are so tight and so compact in defensive areas.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Messi converts from close range, but the offside flag had been raised. It was indeed the correct decision from the assistant referee.
Opportunity for Atletico to threaten on the break as Garcia attempts to release Adrian with a header, but Pinto is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Barcelona are back down the other end with Neymar moments later, but the Brazilian runs into traffic and the danger is cleared once more. End-to-end football.
Another half-chance for Atletico to break as Adrian collects a through pass from Koke, but the Spaniard cannot move past Mascherano at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. Barcelona are down the other end with Adriano and then Iniesta moments later, but his effort is blocked by Gabi. All happening here!
BOOKING! Luis is booked for Atletico following a late challenge on Messi.
The resulting free kick is taken by Messi, but his effort is straight into the wall. Poor from the Argentine and Atletico clear once more. Little under 20 minutes of this Spanish contest remaining at the Camp Nou.
SUB! Atletico make their third and final change as Sosa replaces Adrian.
BOOKING! Barcelona's Song enters the book following a handball.
You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. As it stands, Atletico will win the title, but one goal for Barcelona and it is theirs once more. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Atletico remain a threat on the counter as Sosa attempts to drive past Pique, but the centre-back is on hand to make the challenge. Moments later, Atletico have a free kick outside the box when Adriano fells Koke...
... the resulting free kick is taken by Gabi, but Godin's header is cleared by Adriano. It just would not fall for Villa, who was waiting. Little over 10 minutes remaining and Xavi is ready to enter for Barca.
SUB! Third and final change for Barcelona as Xavi replaces Fabregas.
The home supporters are getting behind their team, but Atletico have played this game before and are comfortable in dealing with the danger. Xavi attempts to float a high cross into Neymar, but Courtois is on hand to claim as more seconds move away. Atletico are just about 10 minutes away from the league title.
CHANCE! Another chance for Barcelona as Alves strikes one from outside the box, but Courtois is on hand to make a fine save. The pressure continues from a corner, but Atletico clear once more.
Atletico have managed to quell some of the pressure in the last couple of moments and force a corner of their own. Wouldn't it be just like the La Liga season if more late action unfolded? The resulting corner from Atletico almost catches Pinto out at his near post, but the Barcelona stopper saves with his feet.
Pique wants a penalty as the Barcelona centre-back goes to the ground under pressure from Godin, but the referee is not interested. Pique cannot believe it, but play continues. Atletico are almost there. They are in touching distance of their first league title since 1996, but Barcelona are far from finished here.
It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Atletico at the moment as Luis hooks clear once more. Barcelona have the away side pinned into their own half at the moment, but they just cannot find a way through.
BOOKING! Mascherano is booked for Barcelona following a late challenge on Sosa.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Atletico are almost there, but Barcelona have possession just inside the Atletico half...
... Barcelona continue to deliver balls into the Atletico box, but it just will not fall for the home side as Atletico clear once more. Challenges are flying in all over the place, but Atletico survive once more.
BOOKING! Atletico midfielder Garcia is booked for a foul on Neymar.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico (ATLETICO WIN LA LIGA)
Wow, just wow. Atletico win La Liga following a 1-1 draw at Barcelona. What an incredible achievement from the capital outfit. Some scenes at the Camp Nou!
The trophy will not be officially presented to Atletico this evening. However, that will take nothing away from Atletico's players. In fairness to the Camp Nou, many have stayed behind to clap both sides from the field. Atletico are indeed the 2013-14 La Liga champions. It is their first since 1996.
Incredibly emotional at the moment as the Atletico players embrace each other on the field. Many might not still believe that they have won it. It is a truly sensational achievement from Atletico. From me, that is just about it for tonight. My analysis will be live before 8pm. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for the reaction. Good evening!
