Barcelona 1-2 Atletico Madrid – Alexandre Sorloth scores late to send Diego Simeone’s Atleti top of La Liga

Alexander Sorloth scored a last-minute winner as Atletico Madrid stole a 2-1 win at Barcelona after coming back from a goal down.

Atletico will be top of La Liga at Christmas after Rodrigo de Paul canceled out Pedri’s opener and then with the last strike of the game, substitute Sorloth secured a remarkable victory.

Diego Simeone’s side registered just four shots on target throughout the match as their goalkeeper Jan Oblak frustrated the hosts by making several saves.

However, after staying in the match, Atletico struck on the break at the death with Nahuel Molina making a mad dash and then sending a perfect ball into the box for Sorloth to clear.

Barcelona fans were disappointed by the mixed results, but they looked comfortable in the first half and Pedri played a one-two with Gavi before firing home.

The hosts pressed for a second goal and Fermin Lopez had an effort saved by Oblak before Rafinha rattled the crossbar.

However, on the hour mark, Atletico equalized with their first real characteristic shot on target with De Paul capitalizing on a weak clearance to fire home.

Oblak then came into his own, denying both Robert Lewandowski and Rafinha.

Those saves were crucial as in the final minute of added time, Atletico struck on the break and substitute Sorloth fired home the winner.

Atletico have now won 12 games in a row in all competitions and sit proudly at the top of La Liga heading into Christmas.

Barcelona should have finished ahead of Atletico Madrid and had 19 shots on target compared to the visitors’ five.

However, after Pedri put the home side in front with a fine strike, they were unable to complete the win.

Rafinha’s hit on the post with his side a goal ahead was the turning point in the match as De Paul equalized two minutes later.

As the game wore on, Barcelona’s scoring chances became less and less as Lewandowski and Rafinha both missed big chances.

Atletico looked happy to get a point and the chance to stay level with their league rivals on points ahead of Christmas.

However, Barcelona were exposed at the last minute and Atlético took advantage to continue their winning run.

The Slovenian goalkeeper was the difference between the two teams and made six saves to deny Barcelona any further goals.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone turned straight to his goalkeeper after the winner as a sign of how Oblak kept them in the game.

A key moment for the keeper was to deny Pedri his second goal of the game from close range with just three minutes remaining.

Barcelona: Pena 7, Kounde 7, Cubarsi 6, Martinez 7, Balde 6, Casado 7, Pedri 8, Raphinha 7, Lopez 6, Gavi 6, Lewandowski 6. Seconds: Garcia 6, Olmo 7, Torres 6

Atletico Madrid: Oblak 9, Llorente 6, Gimenez 7, Lenglet 6, Galan 6, Simeone 7, De Paul 7, Barrios 6, Gallagher 6, Griezmann 6, Alvarez 7. Subs: Koke 6, Le Normand 7, Molina 7, Sorloth 7, Witsel 7

30′ – GOAL! BARCELONA 1 (PENTRI) ATLETICO MADRID 0: Pedri started the move by crossing the wing and driving into the box. Plays a one-two with Gavi before firing low into the net.

58′ –RAPHINHA RATTLES BAR: Pedri finds the run of Rafinha, who with the keeper running out tries to lob the shot-stopper. The shot clearly beat the keeper but cannoned wide of the crossbar.

60′ – GOAL! BARCELONA 1 ATLETICO MADRID 1 (DE POL): Atletico strike on the break and the ball is only cleared back into the path of De Paul, who fires the ball into the bottom corner.

87′ – OBLAK MAKES A CRITICAL RESPONSE: Pedri with a great ball to Raphinha. However, the striker’s touch is heavy and he takes the ball wide and allows Oblak to reduce the angle and save.

90+6′ – GOAL! BARCELONA 1 ATLETICO MADRID 2 (SORLOTH): Substitute Molina finds himself in space and then sends a precise pass to Sorloth, who slides the ball home.