Pau Cubarsi avoids title-race talk after Barcelona edge Atletico Madrid

Barcelona’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid has given the Catalan club a significant lift, according to defender Pau Cubarsi, who chose not to focus on the three-point gap separating his side from Real Madrid.

Speaking to Movistar, in comments reported by Mundo Deportivo, Cubarsi explained how Barcelona recovered after an unfocused first half to secure the win.

“We went into the first half lacking a little concentration. They played a great first half,” he said.

Barcelona improved after the interval, correcting the weaknesses that had troubled them during the opening 45 minutes.

“But during the break we managed to put right the things we were not doing correctly, and we succeeded in winning the game,” Cubarsi added.

The young defender said the team’s improved pressing and positioning were central to the change in performance.

“We had to do a better job of pressing high up the pitch,” he said.

“In the second half, we positioned ourselves slightly better. They were not as comfortable, while we had a greater presence in the attacking areas.”

Cubarsi also praised Frenkie de Jong for his contribution while operating at right-back, but avoided becoming drawn into discussion about Barcelona’s advantage over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the La Liga table.

“If we perform well and give our maximum in every match, we will have a great season in La Liga,” he said.

Barcelona lead the standings with 33 points. Real Madrid are second, three points behind, while Atletico Madrid sit third, five points adrift of the leaders.