Adama Traore, Dani Alves shine in Barca’s 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid

Sports Desk, Feb 6 (EFE).- Debutant Adama Traore on Sunday collected an assist, as did Dani Alves, who also contributed a goal in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory on Sunday over Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona put on a great performance, especially in the first half when they reacted in a timely manner after conceding an early goal, thanks partly to Traore, who was making his debut in his second stint with Barcelona, along with Alves.

It was Yannick Carrasco who drew first blood eight minutes into the action, when he capitalized on a low cross from Luis Suarez.

But two minutes of playing time and a superb volley from Jordi Alba off a cross from Alves was all Barcelona needed to draw level.

The Catalan club, then, took the lead for good on a header from Gavi off a cross from Traore in the 21st minute.

With two minutes to spare before the first-half stoppage time, Ronald Araujo made the score 3-1 on a shot from close range after collecting the ball off the crossbar.

Just four minutes into the second half, Barca picked up where they left off as Alves found the twine from inside the area after seizing a loose ball.

But Atletico Madrid closed the gap in the 58th minute when Suarez scored against his old team on a close-range header, as the visitors unsuccessfully tried to make a comeback.

On the one-hour mark, Traore was replaced by another winter signing – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – who also was also making his Barcelona debut.

The home team had to play the final 20 minutes shorthanded as Alves was sent off for a foul on Carrasco, a decision that was made after consulting the VAR.

With the win, Barcelona are in the fourth spot on the La Liga table with 38 points, two ahead of fifth-placed Atletico Madrid.

EFE ta-bp