Ferran Torres Scores Twice as Barcelona Come from Behind to Beat Atletico Madrid and Claim Top Spot in LaLiga
Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Atletico Madrid 4-2, delivering a crucial blow in the Spanish title race. Lamine Yamal struck in the 92nd minute, and Ferran Torres sealed the victory in the 98th minute, propelling the Catalans back to the top of the table on Sunday. This came after Real Madrid briefly claimed pole position by defeating Villarreal on Saturday.
Barcelona now have a game in hand over the defending champions, with both teams tied on 60 points. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, trail the top two by four points after crumbling at home against Hansi Flick’s side. This defeat capped off a disastrous week for Atletico, following their elimination from the Champions League.
Having been caught out late by Atletico twice earlier in the season, this time it was Barcelona’s turn to deliver the decisive blows, extending their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions.
Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth put Atletico ahead, but Robert Lewandowski and Torres hit back for Barcelona, who went on to win in stoppage time. Flick opted to start Marc Casado in midfield, with Frenkie de Jong not fit enough to make the matchday squad.
The German coach had warned his players to stay focused after conceding a 96th-minute goal in December, which handed Atletico a 2-1 victory and the lead in the table. Barcelona also conceded two late goals in February’s Copa del Rey semifinal first leg, drawing 4-4 against Diego Simeone’s side.
Barcelona played cautiously in the first half, conserving energy and failing to create many opportunities. Teenage winger Yamal created a chance for himself but fired wide, while Lewandowski directed a header straight at Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Atletico appealed for a penalty when Inigo Martinez pulled back Marcos Llorente in the area, but their claims were dismissed. Barcelona’s best chance of the first half came when Pedri set up Lewandowski, whose powerful drive hit the crossbar. From the resulting goal kick, Atletico took the lead.
The hosts worked the ball to Antoine Griezmann, who delivered a brilliant pass across the area to Giuliano Simeone, with Alvarez finishing from his cut-back. This provided a moment of joy for the former Manchester City striker, who had been frustrated earlier in the week when his penalty against Real Madrid was controversially disallowed, leading to Atletico’s Champions League exit.
After the break, Yamal probed as Barcelona sought a way back into the game. Simeone turned to his bench to refresh his side, who had played 120 draining minutes against Real Madrid. The coach introduced Sorloth and Conor Gallagher, and they combined for Atletico’s second goal.
Another fine team move, heavily involving Griezmann, ended with Gallagher squaring the ball to Sorloth, who netted his 11th league goal of the season despite only nine starts.
Barcelona had complaints about a Rodrigo De Paul handball in the build-up being dismissed, but they channeled their frustration into an immediate response. Martinez drove forward and delivered a cross into the box for Lewandowski, who controlled the ball and fired a low finish past Oblak to spark the comeback.
Substitute Torres equalized when Raphinha, who had a quiet night in the capital, crossed from the right. With Atletico shaken, Barcelona took full advantage, with Yamal’s deflected shot from distance putting them ahead in stoppage time.
Torres then scored his second late on to secure a win that could prove decisive in the title race.
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