Barcelona moved one point behind the La Liga leaders Real Madrid with a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Goals from Neymar and Luis Suarez gave the home side a two-goal lead at the break.
The Spanish champions were back in the match just before the hour when Mario Mandzukic converted from the penalty spot, but Lionel Messi made sure of the points for Barca late on.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics
BARCA
Shots: 17
On target: 7
Possession: 68%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 16
ATLETICO
Shots: 5
On target: 3
Possession: 32%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 18
Was the result fair?
In truth, anything other than a Barcelona win would have been unjust. Atletico struggled for long periods of the match, but were given a lifeline just before the hour when Mandzukic converted from the penalty spot after Messi had been penalised for a challenge on Jesus Gamez. The penalty decision in itself was harsh on Barca, but it certainly made the second period more of a contest. Atletico's best spell arrived after they scored, but they really struggled to create clear opportunities.
Indeed, one look at the statistics will show that Barca had 17 attempts - seven of which were on target, while Atletico hit the target with just three of their five attempts. The home side certainly deserved to take an early lead following a bright start and it was only a matter of time before a second arrived. At 2-1, it was all to play for in the final 30 minutes, but Barca eventually regained control and killed the match late on through Messi. It was a dominant and extremely impressive performance from the Catalan outfit.
Barca's performance
Barcelona thumped Elche 5-0 in the Copa del Rey during the week, but they hardly had the ideal preparation for this match - losing away to Real Sociedad last weekend, which brought reports of unrest in the camp. Luis Enrique's position as manager was called into question amid talk of a rift with Messi, but Barca played like a side that were fully behind their boss this evening. It would be fair to say that they have struggled at times this term, but everything seemed to come together against Atletico.
For the second match running, Neymar, Suarez and Messi all scored and the attacking trio were in excellent form at the Camp Nou. Both Messi and Suarez played key roles in the opener, before Messi set up Suarez for goal number two. Ivan Rakitic also had licence to roam from midfield, which caused Atletico all sorts of problems in the final third. Defensively, the home side can also be pleased, with Atletico really struggling to create clear chances. Barca needed a big result in a big match to calm talk of a crisis and that occurred here. As it stands, they are now just one point behind the leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Atletico's performance
To be blunt, Atletico were really disappointing in the first period. They managed just one attempt during the opening 45 minutes as they struggled for inspiration in the final third. When that happens, they are usually so strong at the back, but that was not the case at the Camp Nou. Gamez was selected at left-back and the Spaniard had a torrid evening in an unfamiliar position. Even Jose Gimenez, who has been in such good form this season, struggled against an inter-changing Barcelona attack. Atletico have managed to keep Messi quiet in previous games, but the Argentine was allowed to run riot here.
As expected, Diego Simeone's game-plan was to sit deep and break on Barca, but Mandzukic lacked service and support, especially in the first period, with Antoine Griezmann struggling in a wide area and Arda Turan ineffectual. In fairness, Simeone made a couple of tweaks at the interval and matters did improve, but it was not a performance that deserved anything. As touched upon, they had some bright moments after scoring from the spot, but the comeback was never really on.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lionel Messi: As mentioned, Messi has struggled against Atletico in recent matches - particularly last season - but the Argentine was just sensational on Sunday. The attacker played his part in Barca's first, before setting up Suarez with a brilliant piece of work for the second. Messi's desperation to get his name on the scoresheet was there for all to see and he managed it late on. Atletico just could not deal with the movement and skill of the forward, who certainly did not look unhappy in Barca's famous colours.
Biggest gaffe
Unfortunately, there are a few incidents that could be placed into this particular category, but the Atletico penalty stands out. Gamez appeared to lose control after driving into the Barca box, with Messi poking the ball away from the Spaniard. However, referee Alberto Undiano took a different view and immediately pointed to the spot, which brought a furious reaction from the Barca camp. It was extremely soft to say the least, with Messi hardly making any contact on the full-back, who did not really call for the decision.
Referee performance
As mentioned, Undiano's decision to award Atletico a penalty angered the home side. However, Barca had a helping hand - literally - in the build-up to their second goal. Messi clearly controlled a high ball with his arm moments before sliding a pass into Suarez, who finished into the back of the net. As expected, it was an extremely feisty affair, with nine yellow cards issued. The official was guilty of losing control at times in the second period during a number of flash points, but he did well to keep all 22 players on the field. Matches of this magnitude are never short of talking points with regards to officials.
What next?
Barca: Barca will travel to Elche for the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash on Thursday - leading 5-0 from the first leg. Their next league match is away to Deportivo La Coruna next Sunday.
Atletico: Atletico hold a 2-0 lead over Real Madrid ahead of the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash on Thursday. The champions return to league action at home to Granada next Sunday.
Matt Law
