Barcelona produced a determined comeback to beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Tuesday, moving four points clear at the top of La Liga.
Alex Baena put Atletico ahead early, but Raphinha equalised before Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres secured the win, ending Atletico’s 13-game unbeaten league run.
Barca might have extended their advantage sooner, but Robert Lewandowski missed a first-half penalty.
Real Madrid, sitting second, will visit Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in a bid to close the gap, while Diego Simeone’s Atletico remain fourth, six points behind the Catalans.
This was Barcelona’s fifth consecutive league win since losing the Clasico to Real Madrid in October. Despite mixed performances over that period, the victory over a direct title rival gave Xavi Flick’s side a timely boost.
Barca were without defender Ronald Araujo, who is on a mental health break, and midfielder Frenkie de Jong, along with other long-term absentees. After a heavy 3-0 defeat at Chelsea in the Champions League and a narrow win over Alaves, nerves were high at Camp Nou.
Atletico struck first, exploiting Barca’s high defensive line. Baena raced through on goal, beating Joan Garcia and initially appearing offside. A VAR review confirmed the goal, reinstating it.
Barcelona responded in the 26th minute, as Pedri, back to start after injury, assisted Raphinha, who rounded Jan Oblak and slotted the ball into the empty net.
Lewandowski missed a chance to put Barca ahead from the penalty spot after Dani Olmo was fouled, though Olmo soon made up for it, finishing from Lewandowski’s knockdown to put Barca 2-1 up. Olmo was substituted with a shoulder injury and replaced by Marcus Rashford.
Pedri also went off injured after 70 minutes, leaving fans anxious ahead of next week’s Champions League tie against Frankfurt.
Atletico had their best opportunity through substitute Thiago Almada, who failed to convert from close range, while Oblak made a late stop from Rashford. Alejandro Balde found Torres in stoppage time to seal the 3-1 win.
The result gives Barcelona crucial points in the title race while denting Atletico’s ambitions.
