This archive report was first published on 19 December 2021.
On a dramatic night in La Liga, Barcelona's young guns stole the show as they secured a crucial 3-2 win over Elche, while Atletico Madrid's struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sevilla.
Barcelona's victory, which saw 19-year-old Nico Gonzalez score a late winner, has put them in sight of La Liga's top four for the first time in 19 years.
The win was made possible by the impressive performances of Barcelona's young guns, including 17-year-old Gavi, who scored a stunning individual goal in the first half and assisted Nico's winner in the second.
"Gavi, Nico, Abde, (Ronald) Araujo, (Alex) Balde, they are the future of the club," said Barcelona coach Xavi. "I played here when I was 18 and I was scared but they let their personality show."
Barcelona's victory was all the more impressive given that they were cruising at 2-0 up at halftime, thanks to goals from Ferran Jutgla and Gavi.
However, Elche staged a remarkable comeback, scoring twice in 96 seconds to level the match at 2-2.
But Barcelona's young guns refused to give up, and Gavi's assist set up Nico for the winner in the 85th minute.
Atletico Madrid's defeat at the hands of Sevilla was their third consecutive league loss, and it has left them struggling to stay in the top four.
"It's a difficult moment but I'm calm," said Atletico coach Diego Simeone. "I trust in the squad we have."
Sevilla's victory has moved them up to second place in the table, five points behind leaders Real Madrid.
