Barcelona stage Atletico comeback to boost La Liga lead

Barcelona mounted a strong recovery to defeat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Tuesday, extending their lead at the summit of La Liga by four points, as manager Hansi Flick noted that his team had progressed following a few unsteady outings.

Alex Baena put Atletico in front, yet Raphinha levelled for the title holders, before Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres netted to halt the away sides 13-game unbeaten streak in the league.

Barcelona could have eased their nerves earlier if Robert Lewandowski had not fired a first-half spot-kick high above the bar at the partially renovated Camp Nou.

Real Madrid, in second place, travel to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday with hopes of closing the gap on Barcelona, while Diego Simeones Atletico sit fourth, trailing the Catalans by six points.

We will find out if it marks a key moment, but this was among our finest displays, I was truly impressed by the full 90 minutes, Flick remarked to the press.

This represents the following advancement, we are regaining our peak form, todays showing was excellent.

This marked Barcelonas fifth successive league victory since their October Clasico loss to Madrid, though consistency has been lacking in that run, and facing a direct competitor, this performance provided a timely lift for Flicks squad.

This is the mindset required to flip matches like this one, Raphinha commented to Movistar.

We are gaining assurance match by match, and these points will prove crucial towards the seasons close, potentially swaying the championship battle.

Barcelona missed defender Ronald Araujo, who Spanish media report is on a mental health hiatus, plus unwell midfielder Frenkie de Jong and several long-term injured players.

After a 3-0 Champions League drubbing by Chelsea last week, then a nervy triumph against Alaves to seize top spot in La Liga, tension gripped the home supporters.

After a cautious opening, Atletico struck first, as expected, exploiting Barcelonas high backline with a through ball.

Baena raced clear and slotted past Joan Garcia, refraining from celebration upon spotting the linesmans flag.

Yet a VAR check confirmed the Spaniard was even with Pau Cubarsi on the break, validating the strike.

Barcelona hit back swiftly, drawing level in the 26th minute as fit-again Pedri set up Raphinha.

The Brazilian forward, recently recovered from injury, rounded Jan Oblak and rolled the ball into the unguarded goal.

Barcelona ought to have led, but Lewandowski wasted a penalty, smashing it over and wide after Pablo Barrios fouled Dani Olmo.

The Polish striker nearly atoned soon after, but Oblak superbly tipped away his header from Lamine Yamals delivery.

Barcelona dominated

In the second period, Olmo, fresh off a brace versus Alaves at the weekend, put Barcelona in front with a neat touch after Lewandowski nudged the ball his way.

The Spanish creator, battling to find rhythm at Barcelona despite ongoing fitness issues, picked up a shoulder knock in the act of scoring and made way for Marcus Rashford.

Pedri, dictating play for Barcelona, collapsed around the 70-minute mark and Flick substituted him, later clarifying the midfielder was merely fatigued.

Atletico replacement Thiago Almada carved out his sides prime equaliser opportunity, but after cutting inside the box, he stumbled and blazed his effort astray.

Alejandro Balde located Torres in added time to seal Barcelonas success, securing three essential points in the title chase and denting Atleticos aspirations.

Barcelona held the edge. We created a few openings to draw level, and right at the end they added the third, Oblak said to Movistar.

Atletico boss Simeone praised his sides effort and competitiveness despite the outcome, which ended their six-win league surge.

I am pleased with the squads showing and our competition level, the Argentine stated.

We lacked clinical finishing upfront, which is what we demand, but it does not always materialise.