Anna 
Barcelona produced a stunning comeback to defeat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on Sunday, reclaiming the top spot in La Liga. After falling behind by two goals, the Catalan side responded with four of their own, including stoppage-time strikes from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.
Real Madrid had briefly taken the lead in the standings with a win over Villarreal on Saturday, but Barcelona’s victory puts them level on 60 points, with a game in hand. Atletico, now four points behind the leaders, saw their week go from bad to worse following their Champions League elimination.
Atletico had previously punished Barcelona with late goals this season, but this time, it was the visitors who had the final say. The win extended Barcelona’s unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions.
Atletico’s Fast Start, Barcelona’s Resilience
Atletico struck first through Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, putting them in control. However, Robert Lewandowski and Torres pulled Barcelona back into the contest before their dramatic stoppage-time heroics.
Coach Hansi Flick handed Marc Casado a start in midfield, with Frenkie de Jong unavailable. Flick had warned his team to stay focused after a 96th-minute goal in December had cost them against Atletico, and a similar late collapse against Diego Simeone’s side in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg.
Barcelona started cautiously, creating few chances in the opening half. Yamal missed a clear opportunity, firing wide with only goalkeeper Jan Oblak to beat, while Lewandowski saw his header saved. Atletico appealed for a penalty when Inigo Martinez pulled Marcos Llorente in the box, but the referee waved play on.
Barcelona’s best chance before halftime came when Pedri played in Lewandowski, whose shot clipped the top of the crossbar. Atletico then capitalized immediately, as Antoine Griezmann set up Giuliano Simeone, who assisted Alvarez for the opening goal.
Second-Half Fightback
After halftime, Barcelona pressed forward, while Simeone introduced fresh legs following Atletico’s exhausting midweek battle with Real Madrid. His substitutions paid off as Conor Gallagher assisted Sorloth for Atletico’s second goal.
Barcelona protested a possible handball by Rodrigo De Paul in the buildup, but play continued. Instead of dwelling on the decision, they responded swiftly. Martinez carried the ball forward and delivered a precise pass to Lewandowski, who controlled and fired past Oblak to ignite the comeback.
Torres leveled the match with a close-range finish from Raphinha’s cross, setting up a thrilling conclusion. With Atletico on the back foot, Yamal’s long-range shot took a deflection and found the net in stoppage time, putting Barcelona ahead. Torres then added his second to seal the win.
This crucial victory could prove decisive in the title race, as Barcelona not only reclaimed first place but also delivered a strong statement of intent.
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