Barcelona MVP Fermin Lopez sends strong message after match-winning brace vs Atletico: ‘We were really keen to win’
· Yahoo Sports
Fermin Lopez delivered a decisive performance as Barcelona came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano, strengthening their position at the top of La Liga before the international break.
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The Spanish midfielder scored both goals to complete the comeback, providing an important response after Barcelona’s recent defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
The victory carried additional significance given Atletico’s previous successes against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and Champions League last season.
Speaking after the match, Fermin acknowledged the difficulties his team encountered but praised their reaction after the interval.
Fermin explains how Barcelona turned the game around
Fermin admitted that Barcelona struggled to impose themselves during the opening stages, with Atletico making life difficult for Hansi Flick’s side.
However, the midfielder’s equaliser helped change the atmosphere of the contest and gave the visitors greater confidence.
“It was a very difficult match. Last year they beat us in the Cup and the Champions League. It got tough in the first half, but we managed to turn it around and played a great game.
Fermin Lopez scored twice against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“We weren’t at our best, but once we scored, we felt more at ease,” Fermin said, as per Mundo Deportivo.
The equaliser was particularly important because it arrived just before half-time, allowing Barcelona to approach the second period with renewed belief.
Fermin’s second goal subsequently completed the turnaround, making him the decisive figure in a demanding away fixture.
Barcelona’s second-half performance earns praise from Fermin
Fermin then explained how the team discussed their approach during the interval and recognised the importance of maintaining the momentum they had built towards the end of the first half.
He was particularly pleased with the team’s response after struggling to find control earlier in the contest.
“We were really keen to win, to go into the international break with three points and at the top of the table.
“We struggled a bit in the first half, but I think we played a great match. Around the 20–25-minute mark, we started to gain a bit more control and my goal helped us relax a little.
Fermin Lopez was Barcelona’s MVP. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“They perhaps dropped back a bit more and we had more control. We discussed at half-time that we had to carry on as we’d finished the first half.
“The team put in an incredible second-half performance,” said Fermin.
Fermin sends defiant message to Barcelona fans after recent defeats
Apart from the important three points, the victory offered Barcelona an opportunity to restore confidence following consecutive setbacks against PSG and Real Madrid.
Those defeats had raised questions about the squad’s depth, making the result in Madrid particularly valuable.
Fermin acknowledged that supporters had been disappointed by those performances but insisted that the squad remained determined to challenge for trophies.
“We’re ready to compete. We knew the fans were a bit disappointed after the two defeats, but we’ve made a statement to let them know we’re here and we’re going to compete in every match,” he concluded.