La Liga: López brace seals Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Atletico

Fermin Lopez took his goal tally in this season's La Liga to seven with two against Atletico Madrid GETTY IMAGES

Barcelona strengthened their grip on top spot in La Liga after coming from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium.

As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, Fermín López was the hero for Hansi Flick’s side, scoring twice to help Barcelona claim all three points and maintain their advantage over rivals Real Madrid.

Real Madrid had moved level on 30 points following their 3-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday, but Barcelona’s win restored their three-point cushion at the summit.

Atletico made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Julian Alvarez delivered a low cross into the box, which Giuliano Simeone converted emphatically.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Marc Pubill hitting the crossbar with a header, while Barcelona also came close when Pedri’s effort struck the post.

However, Barcelona found an equaliser just before half-time after Atletico failed to clear their lines, allowing López to curl the ball into the net.

The visitors returned for the second half with greater purpose and completed the turnaround in the 66th minute.

Lamine Yamal produced an intelligent pass to pick out López, who calmly guided the ball beyond Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak to give Barcelona the lead.

Atletico pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia rarely troubled.

The defeat leaves Atletico Madrid third in the standings, five points behind Barcelona, who have now won 11 of their 12 league matches this season.

Flick’s men will head into the international break with renewed confidence after another important victory in their pursuit of the La Liga title.