“Spanish Blitzkrieg!”: FC Barcelona brush aside Atletico Madrid extending their lead at the top of the league

FC Barcelona extend their lead at the top of the league. (Image credits - FMT, Licence Details

Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona have extended their lead at the top of the La Liga table after earning a dominating 3-1 victory against Atletico Madrid.

The Catalan giants had to climb their way back into the game after having gone a goal behind early in the first half. 

Raphinha led the charge for the Blaugrana before Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres netted in the second half to save Robert Lewandowski's blushes, who had missed from the spot in the first half.

It seemed that Atletico had found the crack in Barça’s defence when Alex Baena cut through the home side’s high line. However, for the remainder of the game, Barça dominated with the ball and gave Simeone’s side no space to breathe.

Pedri ran the strings once again in the middle of the park along with Eric Garcia, which allowed Raphinha and Lamine Yamal to perform at their very best as well. The visitors did spurn a few good chances late in the day, but the home side secured a deserved victory.

Flick's men secured an xG of 3.88 from 19 shots, while Simeone's side secured an xG of just 0.97 from 7 shots, clearly highlighting the difference between the sides on the night.

Barça are now 4 points clear at the top and could gain another huge advantage if Real Madrid drop points in their next away fixture against Athletic Bilbao.

Robert Lewandowski makes an unwanted record in his potential last season at FC Barcelona 

FC Barcelona no. 9 Robert Lewandowski missed his second penalty of the season against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, which put the striker into the record books for the wrong reasons.

This miss meant that Lewandowski is the first Barça player to miss two penalties in the same season in La Liga history. The Polish striker had missed his previous penalty against Sevilla earlier this season in a shocking 4-1 defeat.

Critics have questioned whether the 37-year-old should still be the no. 1 penalty taker for Hansi Flick's side, as they've got other options like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, who have a better record in taking spot kicks recently.

Reports regarding Lewandowski have emerged that the club is set to let him leave as a free agent next summer when his contract expires to pave the way for a younger no. 9 in the Barça squad.

The Catalan giants have to look for a well-established striker in the market to replace Lewandowski. Ferran Torres has quality, but he would find it quite difficult to replicate the Polish striker’s numbers at the club.

New headache for Hansi Flick as FC Barcelona hit with yet another injury blow 

FC Barcelona have confirmed that Dani Olmo has suffered a dislocation in his shoulder during their 3-1 victory against Atletico Madrid. 

The 27-year-old netted Barça’s second goal of the night but had to be taken off after awkwardly landing on his shoulder moments later. As reported by the club, Olmo is set to miss at least a month.

The Spanish international is set to miss the key fixtures against Real Betis, Osasuna and Villarreal in the league and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

"Olmo has suffered a dislocation in his left shoulder during yesterday's match against Atletico. Following the tests carried out, a conservative treatment has been chosen. The approximate recovery time is one month," said a Barcelona staff.