João Cancelo decisive! Ex-Benfica punishes Atlético in Barcelona (Video) | OneFootball

continues to show that he still has a lot to offer football. Last Saturday, April 4, the former Benfica defender was a key figure in Barcelona’s victory over Atlético de Madrid (2-1), driving the move that led to Robert Lewandowski’s goal and securing three more points for the Catalans.

In a week in which an interview with the 31-year-old player on Canal 11 was also revealed, in which he discusses a possible return to Benfica, João Cancelo once again proved that his return to Catalonia has turned out to be a winning move, allowing the defender to regain his fitness and importance, something he had lost while playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

According to footage that has been circulating online, João Cancelo, with the clock showing 87 minutes played, dribbled past Atlético midfielder Thiago Almada. In the same move, the Portuguese international ended up 'sitting down' the Argentine, creating an opening for a shot.

With no opponent in front of him, the former Benfica academy player struck powerfully towards Atlético de Madrid’s goal; however, Moussa denied the Portuguese defender. By parrying the ball forward, the Argentine goalkeeper allowed Robert Lewandowski to pounce on the rebound, and the Polish striker made no mistake in giving Barcelona the win.

Before this decisive moment, the match had actually started better for Atlético de Madrid, who went ahead in the 39th minute through Simeone, the coach’s son. However, three minutes later, Marcus Rashford made it 1-1 (42'). With this important victory, Barcelona strengthen their lead at the top of La Liga, opening up a seven-point gap over Real Madrid, who lost to Mallorca (2-1), and are now closer to the title.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.