Atletico Madrid came from behind to snatch a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Barcelona and claim leadership of La Liga on Saturday.

Pedri sent the Catalans ahead but second-half goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Alexander Sorloth helped Diego Simeone’s side move three points clear at the top of the table, having played one match fewer than Barca.

Hansi Flick’s side dominated at the Olympic stadium but Atletico clung on before claiming a 12th consecutive victory across all competitions with Sorloth’s stoppage-time strike.

Barcelona started the season in superb form but have stumbled in recent weeks and have now won just one of their last seven league games.

Champions Real Madrid face Sevilla on Sunday and can also move ahead of Barcelona with a victory.

Barcelona controlled the first half, with their press suffocating Atletico, but struggled to construct many chances.

Raphinha missed with an early header and had another effort blocked, while Jan Oblak fielded a stinging Inigo Martinez effort.

The hosts appealed for a penalty when the ball struck Giovanni Simeone’s arm in the area but it would have been a harsh punishment for the Atletico coach’s son.

Barcelona took the lead after 30 minutes with Pedri both the architect and scorer of the goal.

The Spain midfielder burst forward with the ball and fed Gavi, who tried to turn and inadvertently nudged the ball back to the surging Pedri, who entered the box and slotted past Oblak.

Barcelona should have doubled their lead early in the second half, with Fermin Lopez denied by Oblak’s legs before Raphinha hit the crossbar.

Pedri played in the Brazilian winger with a fine pass over the top and Raphinha lofted the ball over the goalkeeper but it struck the woodwork on its way down.

Moments later Atletico were level, with Marc Casado’s misguided backheel clearance falling to De Paul on the edge of the area.

The in-form Argentine midfielder finished with a firm low effort into the bottom corner for his third goal in his last four league games.

In the final stages both teams tried to snatch a winner, with La Liga’s top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski missing from point-blank range, although Ferran Torres appeared offside in the build-up.

At the other end Inaki Pena made a fine save to keep Pablo Barrios at bay, while Oblak saved from Raphinha after another superb Pedri ball.

The outstanding Canarian midfielder had a chance to score himself but Oblak again proved too hard to beat, and his efforts did not go unrewarded.

Deep in stoppage time Nahuel Molina crossed for regular super-sub Sorloth to strike and ensure Atletico will be top of the pile at Christmas.

Source: Arab News 

BDST: 1018 HRS, DEC 22, 2024
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