Hansi Flick's side came from 2-0 in the final 20 minutes to secure a crucial win over the Rojiblancos at the Metripolitano
Barcelona edged closer to winning La Liga on Sunday after coming from behind to beat title rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 on the road.
Both teams featured in the Champions League during the week, but it was the hosts who looked sharper, despite going to extra-time and penalties against Real Madrid. Hansi Flick's side asserted their usual dominance in the game when it came to controlling the ball, but that is an approach that suits Diego Simeone's men, as Atleti were more than content to hit Barca on the counter.
That is exactly how they scored their opening goal, as a long ball from Jan Oblak was flicked on and into the space behind the Barca defence, with Antoine Griezmann on the chase. The Frenchman slid the ball across the box for Giuliano Simeone, who in turn played in Julian Alvarez to poke home on the stroke of half-time.
Things went from bad to worse for the Blaugrana when Alexander Sorloth scored a carbon copy goal in the 70th minute. This time it was Conor Gallagher who drove the ball across the face of goal for the Norwegian to slot into the net.
But there was a sensational comeback on its way. Two minutes after Atleti's second goal, Robert Lewandowski scored a superb strike, chesting a tricky cross before turning and striking a sweet volley. And it only took six more minutes before Barca were level, this time through substitute Ferran Torres, who flicked a fizzing Raphinha cross into the back of the net, drawing a roar from Flick on the touchline
There was time for a few more goals, and it was the visitors' youngest star who stole the headlines as, in injury time, Lamine Yamal stepped up, stepped in and fired a shot – courtesy of a deflection – past Oblak to earn his side all three points and a massive boost at the top of the table.
Barca even grabbed a fourth with the last kick of the game, Torres netting his second from the bench to send his manager running down the touchline in celebration.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Metropolitano…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (6/10):
Didn't do much wrong and made a few important recoveries and claims to prevent his side from losing complete control of the game.
Jules Kounde (5/10):
Struggled at times and was caught out for Atleti's opener. The Frenchman also picked up a booking for his troubles.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10):
Not always comfortable on the right-hand side alongside Kounde.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Has been a calm and composed figure since signing his new contract and commanded the backline well despite conceding two goals, while he also picked up an assist for Lewandowski's strike.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Got forward with plenty of energy and pace, providing cross after cross for the visitors to attack.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Pedri (8/10):
Acted as the architect for the visitors, often driving from deep and spraying plenty of cross-field balls to set his side on the attack. Provided the assist for the all-important third goal.
Marc Casado (5/10):
Hardly laid a glove on the opposition and was unsurprisingly hooked early in the second half.
Dani Olmo (6/10):
Really struggled to impose himself on the game, but did still come up with a few nice balls into dangerous areas.
AFPAttack
Raphinha (6/10):
Was below his usual standards for most of the game, but delivered an inch-perfect cross for Barca's second goal.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
Had several half-chances throughout the match and turned one of them into a goal with a superb touch and finish.
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Certainly one of Barca's most impressive players in the attacking third, and stepped up when his side needed him the most right at the death.
AFPSubs & Manager
Eric Garcia (7/10):
Did a solid job in midfield when he came on with 20 minutes to go.
Ferran Torres (9/10):
Came on and scored a brace in what can only be described as a stellar cameo.
Gerard Martin (N/A):
Replaced some tired legs at the back.
Ronald Araujo (N/A):
Was brought on to shore up the defence late on.
Gavi (N/A):
Entered the action for the closing moments.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
Made key changes at the right time, with one of them in Ferran getting on the scoresheet twice.
