Barcelona's perfect league season ended by Atletico Madrid
Lluis Cortes' side finally tasted defeat after being forced into several changes
Barcelona's hopes of an unbeaten season ended on Tuesday as they were beaten 4-3 by Atletico Madrid less than 48 hours after winning the Copa de la Reina to complete the treble.
A backlog of games caused by suspensions earlier in the season meant that Lluis Cortes' side were obliged to play Atletico on limited rest in order to fulfil their fixtures this season.
Cortes, therefore, made a number of changes to his side as Barça attempted to make it 29 wins from 29 games in the league this season.
However, hindered by the schedule, it proved one step too far for the Blaugrana, although they didn't go down without a fight in Madrid.
Amanda Sampedro gave Atletico a 12th-minute lead but Barca fought back to go in ahead at the break thanks to goals from Bruna Vilamala and Asisat Oshoala.
The game swung again in the second half, with a brace from Emelyne Laurent restoring Atletico's advantage.
Marta Torrejon drew Barca level again and at that point they were at least on track to remain unbeaten, even if their hopes of winning ever league game were disappearing.
However, Deyna Castellanos struck in the 80th minute to earn the three points for Atletico and inflice a first league defeat of the season on Barca.
The defeat should not take away from what has been a historic season for Barca, who have already won the league, the Champions League and the Copa.
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