Lopez brace lifts Barcelona past Atletico to sole top spot in La Liga
Fermin Lopez scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and move clear at the top of La Liga. Hansi Flick's side won at the Metropolitano stadium and head into the international break three points ahead of Real Madrid.
In the previous match, Real Madrid had beaten Valencia 3-0 to reach 30 points and catch Barcelona. Real were behind only on goal difference. But after the win at Atletico, Barcelona have 33 points from 12 matches and go into the break three points clear.
Barcelona have now won 11 of their 12 league matches this season. Their only dropped points came in last month's El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid. Apart from that loss, the Catalan giants have been in relentless form in the league.
The match began in thrilling fashion. In the sixth minute, Julian Alvarez had a great chance, with only visiting goalkeeper Joan Garcia in front of him. But the Argentine striker took one touch too many and the opportunity slipped away.
Both teams then hit the woodwork. Marc Pubill's header struck the crossbar, and Pedri's effort also came back off the post. The early chances set the tone for an intense contest.
Atletico took the lead in the 10th minute when Giuliano Simeone finished Alvarez's low cross. Barcelona were under pressure after going behind, with Real having caught them the day before.
Play stopped for a minute right after the first goal as players and supporters paid tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died after a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a match. Players from both teams stood together for the moment of respect.
Atletico tried to extend their lead, but Barcelona equalised just before half-time. After the hosts failed to clear the ball, Lopez found the net with a curling shot. The first half ended 1-1.
Barcelona were livelier in the second half. In the 66th minute, Lopez latched on to a clever pass from Lamine Yamal and beat Jan Oblak. That goal sealed the win for Barcelona.
Atletico pressed for an equaliser until the end, but they could not seriously test visiting goalkeeper Garcia. Barcelona's defence stayed organised and held on for the win.
After their second league defeat, Atletico dropped to third. Their gap to Barcelona has grown, while the leaders now sit clear at the top on their own.
Barcelona will look to maintain this form when the league resumes after the international break. Real Madrid will aim to close the gap and get back into the title race. The battle for the title looks set to intensify in the rest of the season.
