Atletico Madrid 2-4 Barcelona: Talking points as Catalans nail statement victory to take charge of La Liga title race

On Sunday evening at the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid took the lead against Barcelona through Julian Alvarez in the last minute of the first half, and when substitute Alexander Sorloth doubled it in the 70th, the Rojiblancos appeared to be cruising towards a hugely important triumph over the Catalan giants.

However, Barcelona showed the full extent of their might in the final 20 minutes, with Robert Lewandowski (72′), Ferran Torres (78′, 90+8′), and Lamine Yamal (90+2′) netting for the visitors, making sure the three points in this clash between La Liga title contenders went with them when they left the capital.

Teams

Atletico boss Diego Simeone had to make do without Angel Correa for this game, with the forward serving a five-match ban for his red card and abusive language towards the referee against Getafe the previous week. It will have come as a blow, but Atletico at least had no injury absences to work around.

With Jan Oblak in goal, centre-backs Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet were flanked by fullbacks Reinildo Mandava and Marcos Llorente. A flat four-man midfield was formed by Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios in the middle, and Giuliano Simeone and Samuel Lino wide. Alvarez was joined by Antoine Griezmann in attack.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, defender Andreas Christensen, and midfielder Marc Bernal were absent through different injury problems for Barcelona.

Wojciech Szczesny was between the posts. Pau Cubarsi paired up with Inigo Martinez in the heart of defence, flanked by Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde. Marc Casado and Pedri were tasked with doing the hard work in the middle of the park. Dani Olmo was chosen ahead of Gavi for the No. 10 role. Yamal attacked from the right, Raphinha from the left, and Lewandowski through the middle.

Match recap