Barcelona produced one of their most competitive performances of the season, coming from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points.
Atletico scored the opening goal through Alex Baena, who broke through the Barcelona goal line and calmly slotted the ball into the net past Joan Garcia. Initially, it appeared the goal was offside, but VAR confirmed Baena had equalized, giving Diego Simeone’s side early confidence.
Barça, however, responded masterfully.
Raphinha, returning from injury, livened up the game, rounding Jan Oblak and slotting home the equalizer in the 26th minute after a clever pass from Pedri.
Barcelona could have taken control before halftime, but Robert Lewandowski sent a penalty kick into the stands, surprisingly missing, prompting a roar of laughter from the home fans. A few minutes later, Oblak saved the Polish striker’s shot, giving Atlético the lead.
The second half belonged entirely to Hansi Flick’s men.
Dani Olmo, who scored twice against Alaves, gave Barcelona the lead with a stunning shot after Lewandowski delivered a cross into the box. However, the celebration was cut short when Olmo landed awkwardly and had to leave the field with a shoulder injury, another blow to an already injured team.
Pedri, who had been a masterful manipulator, also returned from injury, raising concerns ahead of Barcelona’s crucial Champions League match against Frankfurt.
Atletico attempted to close the gap through Thiago Almada, but the Argentine lost his footing at the decisive moment, squandering the visitors’ best chance to equalize.
Barça sealed the victory in stoppage time when Alejandro Balde surged forward and passed to Ferran Torres, who calmly scored to make it 3-1, securing an impressive comeback victory.
This result ends Atletico’s 13 match unbeaten streak and gives Barcelona renewed confidence in their bid for another La Liga title. Real Madrid travels to Bilbao on Wednesday, hoping to rebound.
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