Alexander Sorloth scored a last-gasp winner as Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys to go top of the La Liga table.
The form book may have favoured Diego Simeone's winning machine ahead of kickoff, but an inspired Barcelona quickly took the game by the scruff of the neck and took a justified lead with 30 minutes on the clock.
La Masia phenoms Pedri and Gavi combined for the former to slot home the deadlock breaker, but Barcelona could not convert their first-half dominance into a healthier lead, and their wastefulness proved fatal in the second 45.
A backheel blunder from Marc Casado allowed Rodrigo de Paul to level matters on the hour mark, and just when a draw appeared inevitable, super sub Sorloth finished off the final attack of the game to spark delirious celebrations from Simeone and co.
Atletico have now opened up a three-point over the battered and bruised Blaugrana at the La Liga summit and still have a game in hand over Flick's side and Real Madrid, who are four points worse off, meaning that Simeone's side will be celebrating Christmas Day in the gold medal position.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
The dictionary definition of a game of two halves, Barcelona - without the suspended Hansi Flick - rose to the challenge of ending Atletico's 11-match winning run in the first half.
However, while Pedri and Gavi were wheeling away in celebration during the opening 45, Simeone had an extra spring in his step as he did his customary run to the tunnel at full time, having witnessed the quintessential Simeone performance.
Hosts Barca huffed and puffed relentlessly in the second 45 minutes, but a combination of Jan Oblak, staunch rearguard action and tepid attacking play from Flick's men contributed to the Blaugrana's downfall.
When the table-topping chance fell his way, substitute Sorloth finished with aplomb to end a La Liga hoodoo for Simeone, who had never masterminded an away win for Atletico against Barcelona in La Liga.
With the Red and Whites now on a 12-game winning run, Barcelona prevailing just once in their last seven and Real Madrid losing their golden touch this season, could this be Atletico's year again?
BARCELONA VS. ATLETICO MADRD HIGHLIGHTS
Pedri goal vs. Atletico (30th min, Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid)
🗣️ "We'll be talking of these two as a pair for many years to come!"
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 21, 2024
🤝 Pedri and Gavi link up to break the deadlock for @FCBarcelona#BarcaAtleti | #ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/U7T5x5csyo
The two former Golden Boys combine for what may be a golden goal for Barcelona, and if this assist from Gavi was intentional, it will surely go down as one of the best of the season.
Pedri drives infield from the left and surges through Atletico bodies before laying off Gavi, who allows the ball to hit the inside of his ankle as he turns, and Pedri - who had continued his run - picks it up and coolly slots the ball into the bottom corner.
Barcelona ahead, and it is no less than they deserve.
Rodrigo de Paul goal vs. Barcelona (60th min, Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid)
Rodrigo De Paul punishes the Barcelona defence! 👊
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 21, 2024
Atletico Madrid fighting back in the battle for LaLiga top spot #BarcaAtleti | #ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/sCEe4h9itQ
A carbon copy of Lisandro Martinez's blunder for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup in midweek!
Julian Alvarez bursts forward and delivers a low ball into the box, which Casado attempts to cut out with a backheel - fatal mistake.
De Paul picks up Casado's terrible clearance and bends a fine leveller into the bottom corner, leaving Inaki Pena with no chance whatsoever.
Alexander Sorloth goal vs. Barcelona (90+6 min, Barcelona 1-2 Atletico Madrid)
SORLOTH WINS IT LATE FOR ATLETICO!
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 21, 2024
🔥 The Norwegian gives Atletico Madrid their first league win away at Barcelona for over 18 YEARS!#BarcaAtleti | #ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/ke4O8YAX33
Alexander the great wins it for the visitors with the last attack of the game!
Nahuel Molina is released down the right-hand side with acres of space ahead of him, and the right-back delivers an inch-perfect cross for Sorloth, who fires a crisp left-footed finish into the far top corner.
What a finish, and what a fightback!
MAN OF THE MATCH - PEDRI
© Imago
A special mention must go to long-serving Atletico number one Jan Oblak, who stood tall just when his side needed him, but Pedri conducted the Barcelona orchestra all evening long.
In addition to his tidy finish, Pedri created three big chances, completed 89% of his passes and was eight for eight on long ball attempts, but he was left crestfallen at the final whistle alongside his teammates.
BARCELONA VS. ATLETICO MADRID MATCH STATS
Possession: Barcelona 64%-36% Atletico Madrid
Shots: Barcelona 12-1 Atletico Madrid
Shots on target: Barcelona 7-4 Atletico Madrid
Corners: Barcelona 11-3 Atletico Madrid
Fouls: Barcelona 8-8 Atletico Madrid
BEST STATS
Raphinha is the first player to create 60 chances in Europe's top five leagues. pic.twitter.com/Q1hf6Kyqw6
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) December 21, 2024
Latest winners this LaLiga season:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) December 21, 2024
90+10' — Dani Parejo vs Celta Vigo
90+9' — Cristihan Stuani vs Athletic Club
90+6' — Alexander Sørloth vs Barcelona pic.twitter.com/XzGT2KLWTS
WHAT NEXT?
Both sets of players will now put their feet up for a couple of weeks as the winter break ensues, after which Barca return to action in the Copa del Rey against Barbastro on January 4, the same day that league-leading Atletico travel to Marbella in the round of 32.
Flick's side then head to the Middle East to tackle Athletic Bilbao in the Supercopa de Espana semi-finals on January 8, which precedes a final versus Real Madrid or Mallorca on January 12 should they win, the same date that Atletico are back in top-flight action at home to Osasuna.
Ben Knapton
