Barcelona Stage Thrilling Comeback to Topple Atletico Madrid, Climb to La Liga Summit 

Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres delivered dramatic stoppage-time goals to complete Barcelona’s remarkable comeback from two goals down, securing a 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday and propelling the Catalan side to the top of La Liga. 

Barcelona entered the match knowing a win would edge them ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico aimed to overtake the visitors into second place. Despite Atletico’s early dominance, the hosts squandered a commanding lead in a chaotic final 20 minutes at the Civitas Metropolitano. 

Atletico appeared poised to rebound from their midweek Champions League exit—a penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid—when they led 2-0 deep into the second half. Julian Alvarez, who endured heartbreak in Wednesday’s shootout, broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime by tapping in Giuliano Simeone’s cross. Alexander Sorloth doubled the advantage in the 70th minute, slotting home Conor Gallagher’s precise delivery. 

Barcelona’s resurgence began swiftly. Robert Lewandowski ignited hope with a superb 72nd-minute strike, cutting through Atletico’s defense before Ferran Torres powered in a header from Raphinha’s cross six minutes later to level the score. 

Atletico nearly reclaimed the lead when Sorloth raced through on goal moments later, but the Norwegian striker dragged his shot wide, with replays suggesting a potential offside. The miss proved costly as Barcelona surged forward in added time. 

Yamal, the 16-year-old sensation, curled a deflected effort past Jan Oblak in the 92nd minute to complete the turnaround. Torres then sealed the win in emphatic fashion, drilling a low finish into the net just before the final whistle. 

The result lifts Barcelona level with Real Madrid on 60 points, though Xavi’s side holds a crucial game in hand. Atletico remain third, four points adrift of the leaders, their title hopes dented by a second consecutive collapse. 

Barcelona’s resilience underscores their growing momentum in the title race, while Atletico must regroup ahead of a pivotal clash with Athletic Bilbao next weekend. 

La Liga standings: 
1. Barcelona – 60 points (27 games) 
2. Real Madrid – 60 points (28 games) 
3. Atletico Madrid – 56 points (27 games)