Alex Baena Explains Why Giving 100% Is Not Enough to Beat Barcelona

Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena believes teams must deliver more than their maximum effort for the entire 90 minutes if they want to beat Barcelona. Following Atletico’s defeat against the Catalans at the Metropolitano, the Spanish midfielder explained how Barcelona’s ability to dominate possession and punish mistakes makes them difficult opponents.

Atletico started Sunday’s La Liga encounter positively and took an early lead through Giuliano Simeone. However, Barcelona responded before half-time through Fermín López before the midfielder scored again in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

Speaking to AS after the match, Baena admitted that Atletico struggled to maintain their first-half intensity. He argued that dropping even slightly below their highest performance level allowed Barcelona to take control of the contest.

Alex Baena Says Teams Must Give 120% to Beat Barcelona

Atletico Madrid made a strong start against Barcelona, taking the lead in the 10th minute. Giuliano Simeone finished Julián Álvarez’s cross to give the home side an early advantage and put pressure on the visitors.

However, Barcelona gradually increased their control of the game. Fermín López equalized in first-half stoppage time, and the visitors continued to create opportunities after the break. Lamine Yamal provided the through ball for López’s second goal in the 66th minute, completing Barcelona’s comeback.

Baena believed Atletico’s inability to maintain their intensity was a major reason behind the defeat. He explained that Barcelona become particularly dangerous when opponents allow them to dominate possession.

“When you let Barça have more possession, they take control of the match. We didn’t give that 120% we’d given in the first half, and when you drop to 100%, Barça dominate you.

“We’ll try to keep giving 120 per cent for the full 90 minutes because that’s where the team needs to improve.”

The Atletico midfielder emphasized that the level his team showed before half-time needed to be maintained throughout the match. According to Baena, even a small drop in performance can give Barcelona the opportunity to take control and punish their opponents.

“If you watched the first half today, we were on the same level. That’s the improvement: if you drop to 100%, they’ll punish you.

“The difference lies in being able to maintain that 120%.”

His comments underline the challenge Barcelona present to opposing teams. Maintaining defensive concentration, intensity and possession discipline for the entire match is essential when facing a side capable of quickly turning control into scoring opportunities.

Alex Baena Criticizes Atletico Madrid’s Finishing Against Barcelona

While Baena highlighted Barcelona’s possession and intensity, he also admitted that Atletico Madrid failed to make the most of their own scoring opportunities.

Atletico created chances that could have changed the outcome. Marc Pubill struck the crossbar with a header during the opening 15 minutes, while Julián Álvarez missed an opportunity by sending a lob over the bar early in the second half.

Barcelona, meanwhile, were more clinical in front of goal. Fermín López converted two important opportunities to give the visitors all three points.

Baena acknowledged that the difference in finishing ultimately proved costly for his team.

“That was the difference: they had three or four chances and scored twice, whilst we had far too many and weren’t able to put one away. And that’s what happens when you can’t score.”

The midfielder’s assessment highlighted two areas Atletico need to improve: maintaining their intensity throughout the match and converting opportunities when they create them. Against a team like Barcelona, missed chances can become particularly expensive.

Barcelona Extend Their Lead as Atletico Suffer First La Liga Defeat Since September 5

The defeat was a significant setback for Atletico Madrid, marking their first La Liga loss since September 5. The result also left Diego Simeone’s side five points behind Barcelona in the league standings.

Barcelona remained at the top of the table with 33 points from 12 matches, holding a three-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid. Atletico occupied third position with 28 points, two behind their city rivals and five behind the league leaders.

The result strengthened Barcelona’s position in the title race while leaving Atletico with work to do as they attempt to close the gap before the season progresses further.

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona Face Difficult Fixtures After International Break

Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will return from the November international break with challenging fixtures across domestic and European competitions. Their schedules include away trips and important matches that could influence their positions in the La Liga title race.

Barcelona’s Upcoming Fixtures

• November 22: Barcelona vs Villarreal at Camp Nou.
• November 25: Champions League away fixture against Sabah.
• November 29: Barcelona visit Deportivo La Coruña.

Atletico Madrid’s Upcoming Fixtures

• November 22: Atletico Madrid travel to Getafe.
• After November 22: Atletico host Viking in the Champions League at the Metropolitano.
• November 29: Atletico travel to Elche.

The upcoming matches will test both sides as they balance their domestic ambitions with European commitments. Barcelona will aim to protect their position at the top of the table, while Atletico will look to respond after losing an important opportunity to reduce the gap.

Can Atletico Madrid Close the Gap on Barcelona in the La Liga Title Race?

Atletico Madrid remain third in the standings, but their defeat against Barcelona has made their position in the title race more challenging. With five points separating the teams, Atletico will need consistent results after the international break to remain within reach of the leaders.

Baena’s comments also offer an indication of what Atletico believe they must improve. Their first-half performance showed they could compete with Barcelona, but maintaining that level for the full 90 minutes and finishing their chances will be crucial.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have demonstrated their ability to recover from difficult starts and take advantage of opponents’ mistakes. As both teams return to action after the international break, the upcoming fixtures could play an important role in shaping the La Liga title race.