Barcelona Stage Stunning Comeback To Move Top Of La Liga.
Barcelona produced a dramatic late turnaround to defeat Atlético Madrid 4-2 and move top of La Liga, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a remarkable victory.
Atletico Take Early Control
The visitors arrived at the Wanda Metropolitano knowing a win would send them above Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atlético could have leapfrogged Barcelona into second place with a victory.
Atlético appeared to be on course for the perfect response to their midweek Champions League exit to Real Madrid, as they took a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining. Julián Álvarez, looking to make amends after his costly penalty miss in the Madrid derby, opened the scoring just before half-time by turning in Giuliano Simeone’s cross. Alexander Sørloth then doubled the lead in the 70th minute, finishing clinically from Conor Gallagher’s pass.
Barcelona’s Late Fightback
However, Barcelona refused to surrender, launching a sensational comeback with two goals in six minutes. Robert Lewandowski sparked hope with a brilliant strike in the 72nd minute before Ferran Torres equalised with a header from Raphinha’s pinpoint cross.
Sørloth had a golden opportunity to restore Atlético’s lead late on but missed his effort, and Barcelona capitalised in stoppage time. Lamine Yamal’s deflected curling strike put them ahead in the 92nd minute, before Torres added his second of the night with a composed low finish just before the final whistle.
La Liga Title Race Heats Up
Barcelona’s thrilling victory moves them level on 60 points with Real Madrid, but they now hold a crucial game in hand. Atlético remain in third place, four points behind the top two, with their title ambitions now facing a significant setback.