ISTANBUL
Fermin Lopez scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, restoring their three-point lead at the top of the Spanish La Liga standings ahead of the November international break.
The visitors secured their 11th league victory of the season after overturning an early deficit, with Lopez scoring the equalizer just before halftime and the winner in the second half.
The match began at a frantic pace, with both sides striking the crossbar in quick succession. Atletico defender Marc Pubill hit the woodwork with a header in the sixth minute before Barcelona’s Pedri struck the bar a minute later.
Atletico broke the deadlock in the 10th minute following a swift counterattack. Lee Kang-in released Julian Alvarez down the left, and the Argentine forward set up Giuliano Simeone, who finished first-time from near the penalty spot.
Barcelona responded in the 45th minute when Pedri drove through Atletico’s midfield and found Lopez near the penalty area. The midfielder’s attempted pass deflected off Marcos Llorente and fell back into his path, allowing him to fire a powerful shot into the top corner.
The visitors completed their comeback in the 66th minute when Lamine Yamal threaded a precise pass through Atletico’s defense to Lopez, who finished first-time past goalkeeper Jan Oblak to make it 2-1.
Barcelona held on to secure all three points and maintain their position at the top of La Liga with 33 points after 12 matches, three clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, dropped to third with 28 points following the defeat.
