Lopez double fires Barcelona past Atletico Madrid to top of La Liga

Fermin Lopez scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and move three points clear at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona won away at Atletico on Sunday despite falling behind. After 12 games, they are three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and five ahead of Atletico, in third.

Giuliano Simeone gave the home side the lead in the 10th minute, turning home a close-range volley from Julian Alvarez's cross from the left.

Atletico, chasing an eighth straight win, created a series of early chances. But Fermin swept in an equaliser on the cusp of halftime after a ball broke to him in the box.

In the 66th minute, Lamine Yamal set up Fermin's second goal with an incisive pass, and Lopez fired past Jan Oblak with a first-time finish.

The goal silenced the Metropolitano. It was Barcelona's fifth straight away league win over Atletico — the first time they have achieved that.

After the match, Lopez told La Liga TV: “It was a very difficult match. The first half was tough, but we managed to come from behind and secure the win.”

“I think we were not being clinical enough. After the goal, we gained more confidence,” he added.

Praising Yamal, Lopez said: “Lamine has been very good. His pass for the second goal was half the goal itself. I'm very happy.”

“We wanted to go into the break as league leaders and get three points. The equaliser lifted a weight off our shoulders, and we had more control,” Lopez said.

“We knew at halftime that we had to continue playing the way we finished the first half. I think the team produced an incredible second half, both defensively and offensively. We're very happy.”