Barcelona did not play especially well at the Metropolitano and they won anyway, which is the sort of evening that tends to decide leagues. Fermin Lopez scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid that sends Hansi Flick's side into the international break three points clear at the top of La Liga.
Real Madrid had drawn level on 30 points with a 3-0 win over Valencia on Saturday, behind only on goal difference, so the pressure was real. Barca have now won 11 of their 12 league games this season. The one blemish remains the home defeat by Real in last month's Clasico.
Atletico had the first half and nothing to show for it
The opening half-hour belonged to the hosts. Julian Alvarez was clean through in the sixth minute with only Joan Garcia to beat, took a touch too many, and the chance disappeared. Marc Pubill then headed against the bar at one end and Pedri struck a post at the other during an opening spell that was closer to chaos than control.
Atletico got the goal their start deserved in the 10th minute when Alvarez's low cross was put away emphatically by Giuliano Simeone. Shortly afterwards the match was paused for a minute so players and supporters could pay tribute to the Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died after suffering a serious injury in a Spanish Second Division game.
Two goals from a midfielder who keeps arriving late
Barcelona's equaliser came on the stroke of half-time and came from Atletico's failure to clear their lines, Lopez curling the loose ball home. The second, in the 66th minute, was a better goal and a better move: Lamine Yamal slid an intelligent pass through the defence and Lopez guided his finish past Jan Oblak.
Atletico pushed for an equaliser after that without ever properly testing Garcia. Diego Simeone's side drop to third, five points off the top, with a second league defeat of the season.
Three points clear going into the break
Flick will take the result and park the performance. Barcelona were the more purposeful side after the interval and found a way to win on a ground where Atletico usually make life difficult, which is a more useful habit at this stage of a season than winning handsomely at home.
When La Liga resumes, Barca hold a three-point lead over Real Madrid and a five-point cushion over Atletico. Lopez, meanwhile, keeps finding the box at the right moment.
Match facts: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona, Metropolitano Stadium, Sunday 8 November. Giuliano Simeone 10, Fermin Lopez 45 and 66. Barcelona have won 11 of 12 league games and lead Real Madrid by three points; Atletico are third, five points back, after a second league defeat.
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