Lionel Messi scored the 700th goal of his career with an audacious penalty against Jan Oblak to restore Barcelona’s lead in the second half. The Argentine talisman tried his best to create chances for his Barcelona teammates in the final third but found little joy against Diego Simeone’s well-drilled outfit.

A second-half penalty from Saul Niguez levelled the scores for Atletico Madrid and Los Colchoneros held out till the closing whistle to take a point away from the Camp Nou.

Also Read: Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid: 5 Hits and Flops as Lionel Messi’s 700th goal fails to inspire Catalans to victory | La Liga 2019-20

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets admits Real Madrid has the advantage

After the match, Sergio Busquets opened up about Barcelona’s La Liga aspirations to the press and acknowledged that the Catalans are in a difficult situation. Barcelona may fall short of the title even if the side wins all its games for the remainder of the season.

Barcelona’s veteran midfielder also conceded that the ball is well and truly in Real Madrid’s court at the moment. Busquets claimed that while Barcelona played well against Atletico Madrid, the Catalans were unlucky to drop points.

Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig also weighed in on the situation on social media and promised the fans that the team will do everything it takes to secure the title.

The La Masia prospect was one of the best Barcelona players on the pitch and continues to consolidate his place in the starting lineup. In contrast to many senior Barcelona players, Riqui Puig was optimistic of Barcelona’s chances and seems determined to give Los Blancos a run for their money in the title race.

A post shared by R I C A R D P U I G (@riquipuig) on Jun 30, 2020 at 6:40am PDT

Riqui Puig started his second consecutive La Liga game against Atletico Madrid and was a creative and tenacious presence on the pitch for Barcelona. The midfielder broke Atletico Madrid’s lines with ease and displayed incredible work-rate off the ball.

With Arthur being shipped off to Juventus next season, Riqui Puig has emerged as a viable alternative in Barcelona’s midfield. The Catalan youngster has spent plenty of time on the fringes of the first team and has done well to seize his opportunity in Barcelona’s starting eleven.

Barcelona fell further behind Real Madrid in the title race and will now have to depend on other teams in La Liga to win the title. With Los Blancos in blistering form in the recent past, the La Liga crown may well change hands this season.

Also Read: Barcelona in tatters as reports of a rift emerge between Lionel Messi and coaching staff

0 votes