Lamine Yamal scored in the 92nd minute and Ferran Torres added a second in the 98th to secure a dramatic comeback for Barcelona, taking them back to the top of the table after Real Madrid briefly claimed the lead with a win over Villarreal on Saturday.
Barcelona now have a game in hand over the champions, both teams tied on 60 points, while Atletico Madrid trails the top two by four points following a crushing home defeat to Hansi Flick’s side, capping a disappointing week after their Champions League elimination.
Having suffered late setbacks against Atletico earlier this season, it was Barcelona’s turn to deliver a late sting, extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions.
Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth put Atletico in front, but Robert Lewandowski and Torres responded for Barcelona, who completed their comeback in stoppage time.
Flick made the decision to include Marc Casado in midfield, with Frenkie de Jong unavailable for selection due to injury. The German coach had warned his players to stay focused after a 96th-minute goal in December had seen Atletico snatch the top spot from Barcelona in a 2-1 defeat.
Barcelona’s first half performance was subdued, with few chances created. Teenage winger Yamal had an opportunity but fired wide with Oblak’s goal gaping, while Lewandowski’s header was saved by the Atletico keeper. Atletico appealed for a penalty when Inigo Martinez pulled back Marcos Llorente in the area, but no penalty was awarded.
Barcelona’s best chance of the first half came when Pedri played Lewandowski through, but the striker’s powerful drive hit the crossbar. From the goal kick, Atletico broke the deadlock as Griezmann found Giuliano Simeone, who set up Alvarez to finish.
The goal brought some relief for Alvarez, who had been frustrated in midweek when his penalty against Real Madrid was controversially disallowed, contributing to Atletico’s Champions League exit.
After the break, Barcelona pushed forward, with Yamal creating opportunities. Atletico made changes, bringing on Sorloth and Conor Gallagher, who combined for Atletico’s second goal. A brilliant team move from Atletico saw Gallagher square the ball to Sorloth, who finished for his 11th league goal of the season.
Barcelona had protests over a handball from Rodrigo De Paul dismissed but responded swiftly. Martinez played the ball forward, finding Lewandowski, who controlled and fired past Oblak to pull one back.
Substitute Torres equalized after Raphinha’s cross from the right, and with Atletico rattled, Barcelona capitalized on their moment. Yamal’s shot from distance deflected into the net for the lead in stoppage time.
Torres sealed the win with another late goal, giving Barcelona a crucial victory that could prove vital come the end of the season.
