Barcelona came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 away from home on Sunday, with Fermin Lopez scoring twice to secure a crucial victory at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and strengthen their grip on the La Liga summit.
The Catalan giants recovered from an early setback to claim all three points in the Matchday 12 encounter, extending their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to three points.
Atletico started brightly in front of their home fans and opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Giuliano Simeone, who converted from close range after Julian Alvarez supplied the assist.
Barcelona gradually settled into the game, dominating possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon threatened the Atletico defence, while Pedri came close to finding the net but struck the woodwork.
The visitors eventually drew level just before the interval, with Fermin Lopez finding the bottom corner with a left-footed effort from inside the penalty area in the 45th minute.
Barcelona continued their attacking push after the break and completed the comeback in the 66th minute.
Fermin scored his second goal of the night after Lamine Yamal delivered a decisive pass that split the Atletico defence.
The goal put Hansi Flick’s side ahead for the first time in the encounter, leaving the hosts needing an equaliser to salvage a point.
Atletico pressed for a response in the closing stages but were unable to break through Barcelona’s defence as the visitors held on for an important away victory.
The result leaves Barcelona top of the La Liga table after 12 matches, three points ahead of Real Madrid, while Atletico remain third, five points behind the leaders.
Fermin’s brace proved decisive for Barcelona, with Yamal also playing a key role in the winning goal as the reigning champions strengthened their position in the title race.
