Both Cardoso and Freeman were substitutes in this weekend’s La Liga action; however, great news that the Brazilian-American midfielder returned from his injury after two weeks since his game against Stuttgart.
Atlético de Madrid 1-2 FC Barcelona
In a very important game that would decide who would become the leaders of the Spanish league, Atleti and Barça faced each other at Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Johnny Cardoso returned to the roster, but was not part of the starting XI. Instead, he replaced Álex Baena to play approximately the final 20 minutes of the game.
Simeone’s men dominated the first few minutes of the game. In fact, it was the coach’s son, Giuliano, who opened the score. 1-0 for Atleti 10 minutes into the game.
However, Fermín López scored a brace, with one goal being right before halftime and the other one 20 minutes into the second half, that would give Barcelona the three points. Flick’s team remains on top.
Johnny Cardoso and Atleti remain 3rd with 28 points and will visit Getafe after the international break.
Villarreal CF 2-0 Getafe CF
Alex Freeman was once again benched. This time, quite inexplicably, as there aren’t any Champions League games around the corner. It did not prive The Yellow Submarine from winning the game, though.
The USMNT right-back replaced Santi Mouriño in the 64th minute, and it was right after when the goals came. Canadian international Tajon Buchanan scored in the 80th minute, and Carlos Romero sealed the win at the very end.
After the games against Haiti, Freeman and Villarreal will face the league leaders FC Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou. Iñigo Pérez’s team climbs to the 8th spot with 15 points.
Notes
Pellegrino Matarazzo and Real Sociedad get a hard-fought win against Rayo Vallecano, 1-0.
In Segunda Federación, Axel Pérez played 60 minutes in Castellón B’s 1-0 defeat at home against Penya Deportiva.
Xanti Oyharçabal played 86 minutes in CD Basconia’s 2-1 win against SD Amorebieta.
Cameron Williams played the second half of CP Mijas Las Lagunas’ 1-1 draw against Recreativo de Huelva away.
In Tercera Federación, Keller Storlie went the distance in Palencia CF’s 2-0 win at home against Atlético Bembibre.
Roberto Albuquerque also played the whole game in Caudal Deportivo’s home defeat to Llanes, 2-1.
