Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 as Fermin Lopez scores twice
Fermin Lopez’s two goals overturned an early Atletico lead, sending Barcelona three points clear at the top of La Liga.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano on November 8 after Fermin Lopez scored twice to overturn an early deficit. The Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid result moved the visitors three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga after 12 matches, according to Reuters and AFP.
Giuliano Simeone put Atletico ahead in the 10th minute, meeting Julian Alvarez’s cross from the left with a close-range volley, Reuters reported. Atletico had opportunities to add to that lead in a fast opening, while both teams struck the woodwork early, AFP said.
Who scored in Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?
Lopez brought Barcelona level shortly before half-time. His route to goal was blocked, but the ball broke to him in the penalty area and he struck past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, according to Reuters and AFP.
The midfielder scored again in the 66th minute. Lamine Yamal played him through Atletico’s defence and Lopez finished first time past Oblak to put Barcelona ahead, Reuters reported.
Atletico could not find another equaliser in the closing stages, with Barcelona holding on for the points before the international break, AFP said. The defeat left Atletico third, five points behind Barcelona; Real Madrid were second, three points off the lead.
What did the win mean for Barcelona in La Liga?
Barcelona’s victory gave them a three-point advantage over Real Madrid and a five-point cushion over Atletico at that point in the season. It was also Barcelona’s fifth consecutive away league victory against Atletico, Reuters reported.
Lopez’s second goal was his seventh in 11 league appearances that season, according to AFP. Speaking to La Liga TV, Lopez described the match as difficult and said Barcelona gained confidence after his equaliser. He also credited Yamal for the pass that created the winner.
Atletico captain Koke said his side had enough first-half chances to put the match beyond Barcelona but failed to take them, AFP reported. It was Atletico’s first La Liga loss since September 5, according to the AFP report.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.