FC Barcelona beat Atlético Madrid 3-1 on Matchday 19. This game and the Athletic Club vs Real Madrid game were played during this week, because all four will play in the Supercopa in January. Due to them qualifying for the Supercopa, they have to play a round less in the Copa del Rey, which was also played this week.

The game itself was pretty close, but Atlético’s performance was pretty disappointing, especially because of the great form they were in.

Many are blaming various players and Simeone himself, but the reality is that Atlético have not won at Camp Nou since 2006, when Fernando Torres scored twice.

It is true that Atléti’s forwards were lacking precision, but at best they could only have managed a draw.

Every time Atlético goes to the Camp Nou, there is no game plan designed to win convincingly. On Tuesday they did not play badly, but at no point did they look capable of winning, even after having taken the lead.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, it is key that Atlético Madrid goes out to win and seeks to be superior in big games.

If not, the same story will repeat itself every season, with Atlético Madrid always faltering under the pressure of the big stage, when in reality they have everything they need to win titles.

All images courtesy of LaLiga Content Hub