Fermín López scored twice, in first-half stoppage time and again in the 66th minute, as Barcelona came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano. The win lifts Barcelona to 33 points, three clear of Real Madrid, with Atlético third on 28.
Madrid, Spain: Atlético had the lead and the first chances, and they still lost. Barcelona went to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday night trailing from the 10th minute, and two Fermín López finishes turned the match around and lifted them three points clear at the top of La Liga.
Simeone strikes first
Atlético went ahead in the 10th minute. Julián Álvarez squared the ball to Giuliano Simeone, who scored first time. Álvarez had earlier stumbled when he was through one-on-one against Joan García, a miss that Atlético would come to regret.
Fermín levels on the stroke of half-time
Barcelona answered in stoppage time at the end of the first half. A deflection off Marc Pubill sent the ball into Fermín’s path, and he curled a first-time shot past Jan Oblak.
Yamal sets up the winner
The decisive goal came in the 66th minute. Lamine Yamal played a through ball, and Fermín latched onto it and drove a low right-footed shot into the far corner. Álvarez lifted a lob over the crossbar as the hour approached, and Atlético could not find a second goal. Diego Simeone said afterwards that his side had lacked clinical finishing, called the team a work in progress and said Atlético would stand by Álvarez.
What it means
Barcelona have 33 points from 12 matches, three ahead of Real Madrid, who won 3-0 at Valencia on Saturday and have 30. Atlético are third on 28, five behind the leaders, after a seventh straight league win at Levante. Barcelona arrived on the back of a 6-1 rout of Alavés.
Full time: Atlético Madrid 1 (Giuliano Simeone 10’), Barcelona 2 (Fermín López 45+’, 66’)
