Atlético Madrid missed the chance to do the league double over Barcelona for the first time since the 2005/06 season, as their LaLiga title hopes took a hit with a dramatic 4-2 defeat. Despite leading by two goals, Atleti collapsed late on, allowing Barcelona to leapfrog Real Madrid and move to the top of the table.
Just four days after their controversial Champions League loss to Real Madrid, Atleti returned to the Estadio Metropolitano. Within five minutes, Barcelona nearly took the lead when Lamine Yamal played a one-two with Dani Olmo, but his shot clipped the outside of Jan Oblak’s post.
Hansi Flick’s side dominated possession in the first half, keeping Atleti pinned back, but the hosts gradually grew into the game and took the lead just before half-time. Robert Lewandowski wasted a golden chance after being picked out by Pedri, and moments later, Atleti punished Barcelona. Antoine Griezmann’s crossfield pass was smartly played back inside by Giuliano Simeone, allowing Julián Álvarez to smash home his 23rd goal of the season.
Despite controlling much of the first half, Barcelona found themselves trailing at the break. Flick kept faith in his starting XI, and after half-time, Barça resumed their attacking pressure. Yamal again went close, but Atleti remained disciplined in defence while looking dangerous on the counter. Changes came on the hour, with Conor Gallagher and Alexander Sørloth replacing Samuel Lino and Álvarez. Atleti then doubled their lead on 70 minutes when Griezmann dispossessed Eric García, launching an attack that ended with Gallagher setting up Sørloth for a simple finish.
Barcelona were furious, believing Rodrigo De Paul had handled the ball in the build-up, but they hit back immediately. Iñigo Martínez crossed for Lewandowski, who controlled the ball on his chest before firing past Oblak to set up a thrilling finish. Moments later, Raphinha’s pinpoint cross found substitute Ferran Torres, who headed in the equaliser.
Atleti’s nightmare continued in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Yamal’s long-range effort took a huge deflection off Reinildo, wrong-footing Oblak and nestling in the far corner. With Atleti in disarray, Torres struck again moments later to seal an incredible comeback.
The defeat ended Atlético’s unbeaten home league record this season, while Barcelona will now look to build on their dramatic win when they host Girona after the international break.
