Atletico 1-2 Barcelona: Simeone 10; Lopez 45, 66
What a relief it is for Barcelona to win here. They needed a strong response against a top side after defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid raised questions about their ability to handle the biggest occasions.
Hansi Flick’s side had lost some of the confidence that carried them through the early part of the season, and their trip to Atletico Madrid offered little room for error.
Real Madrid had also moved level at the top of La Liga after their victory over Valencia, and Atletico had the chance to take first place, which made the meeting at the Metropolitano an important test for all three sides.
Barcelona faced an aggressive Atletico team that made full use of their home support. Diego Simeone’s players started at a furious pace and immediately put the visitors under pressure.
Julian Alvarez nearly opened the scoring after breaking through the Barcelona defence, but Joan Garcia did enough to push him away from goal. Marc Pubill then headed against the crossbar from a corner.
Barcelona also had a chance when Pedri struck the woodwork from the edge of the area, but Atletico continued to look more dangerous. Giuliano Simeone eventually gave the hosts the lead in the 10th minute after Alvarez returned the ball across the penalty area. The forward arrived at pace and finished from close range.
Atletico could have extended their advantage before the break. Alvarez nearly scored after his effort slipped through Garcia’s legs, but the goalkeeper recovered before the ball crossed the line. David Hancko also missed a good opportunity after finding himself in space inside the area.
Barcelona struggled but gradually found a way into the game. Lamine Yamal forced Jan Oblak into a save, and Fermin Lopez had an effort blocked as the visitors began to threaten.
Their pressure paid off just before half-time. Lopez reacted quickly after the ball fell to him inside the area and fired a low shot beyond Oblak to bring Barcelona level.
Flick introduced Frenkie de Jong after the break, and Barcelona looked more settled in midfield. They moved the ball with greater purpose and began to push Atletico back.
Yamal tested the home defence with a couple of efforts, but Atletico remained dangerous on the counterattack. Alvarez had another opportunity to put his side ahead when he ran through on goal, but his attempted chip sailed over the crossbar.
The miss proved costly. Barcelona took the lead in the 66th minute when Yamal played a precise pass into the area for Lopez. The midfielder made no mistake with his first-time finish past Oblak to complete his double.
Atletico tried to respond, but Barcelona were more careful with possession and limited their opportunities. Pubill and Alvarez combined again in a late attack, but the latter’s effort took a deflection and looped over the goal.
