Barcelona recovered from an early deficit to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and preserve their lead at the top of La Liga, with Fermin Lopez scoring both goals.
Real Madrid had moved level with Barcelona on 30 points after beating Valencia 3-0 on Saturday, although they remained behind on goal difference. Lopez’s second-half winner at the Metropolitano Stadium restored Barcelona’s three-point advantage before the international break.
Hansi Flick’s team have now won 11 of their 12 league matches this season. Their only dropped points came in last month’s home defeat by Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Atletico Madrid made the stronger start and should have gone ahead in the sixth minute. Julian Alvarez ran through on goal but, with only Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia to beat, took too many touches and allowed the chance to disappear.
The opening stages were played at a frantic pace, with both teams hitting the woodwork. Marc Pubill’s header struck the crossbar for the hosts, while Pedri’s effort for Barcelona clipped the post.
Atletico did take the lead in the 10th minute. Alvarez sent a low cross into the area and Giuliano Simeone finished emphatically to put the home side in front.
Play was stopped for a minute soon afterwards as players and supporters paid tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. He died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish Second Division match.
The hosts continued to look the more dangerous side, but Barcelona found an equaliser just before half-time. Atletico Madrid failed to clear the ball properly, giving Lopez room to curl an effort into the net.
Barcelona were more effective after the interval and completed the turnaround in the 66th minute. Lamine Yamal delivered a clever pass into Lopez’s path, and he guided his finish beyond Jan Oblak to put the visitors ahead.
Atletico Madrid pushed for a second goal and worked to find a way back into the match, but they were unable to seriously test Garcia in the Barcelona goal.
The defeat was Atletico Madrid’s second in the league this season. They remain third in the table, five points behind Barcelona.
