Atletico Madrid claim late winner at Barcelona to go top of La Liga

Barcelona held a 10-point lead over Atletico at the start of November, but a poor run of form and a run of wins for Diego Simeone’s side has seen Atletico overhaul their rivals.

Atletico arrived at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis level on points with their hosts, knowing a win would see them go into 2025 as La Liga leaders.

They were second best for most of the evening and were forced to weather a barrage of Barcelona attacks throughout.

Gavi should have headed the hosts ahead in the 25th minute when he found himself unmarked and on the end of a Raphinha cross, but failed to find the target from close range.

However, the Spanish midfielder redeemed himself soon after as he set up Pedri’s opener with a clever backheel.

With Flick serving the second of a two-match touchline ban and watching from the stands, Barcelona continued to surge in the second half.

Fermin Lopez was denied by a solid save from Oblak and Pedri slammed an effort just over, while Raphinha rattled the crossbar with an audacious lob before missing when one-on-one with the keeper.

But the hosts were left to rue their missed chances as De Paul sprinted on to Casado’s failed backheel clearance and planted the ball in the bottom corner.

And Barcelona, ​​who have now lost their last three league games at home, were stunned when Sorloth hit the late winner and Atletico’s celebrations continued as the final whistle blew.