Fermin Lopez scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano, moving three points clear at the top of La Liga.
The win put Barcelona three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and five clear of Atletico, who are third, after 12 games.
Simeone’s early goal answered by Lopez before halftime
Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring in the 10th minute, turning home a close-range volley from Julian Alvarez’s cross from the left. The home side, seeking an eighth straight win, had several early chances before Lopez swept in an equaliser just before halftime after the ball broke to him in the box.
Lamine Yamal‘s incisive pass in the 66th minute set up Lopez’s second goal, a first-time finish past Jan Oblak that silenced the home crowd. The result gave Barcelona a fifth straight away league win over Atletico.
Lopez praises Yamal and a stronger second half
Speaking to La Liga TV after the match, the Barcelona midfielder said: “It was a very difficult match. The first half was tough, but we managed to come from behind and secure the win.” He added that the team had not been “clinical enough” before the goal.
Lopez said Yamal’s pass “was half the goal itself” and that the equaliser “lifted a weight off our shoulders”. He praised the team’s “incredible second half, both defensively and offensively.”
