López brace lifts Barcelona past Atlético and restores lead

Barcelona came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 on November 8, as Fermín López scored twice to restore the team’s three-point lead at the top of LaLiga. Giuliano Simeone put Atlético ahead in the 10th minute, but López equalised just before halftime and scored the winner in the 66th minute.

The result left Barcelona three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and five clear of Atlético, who were third after 12 matches. Real Madrid had moved level with Barcelona by beating Valencia the previous day, but Barcelona’s win put it back in sole possession of first place going into the international break.

Atlético made the faster start at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. After Julian Alvarez created the opening goal for Giuliano Simeone, the hosts continued to threaten, while both teams hit the woodwork in the opening stages. Barcelona drew level on the stroke of halftime when the ball fell to López in the box and he finished past Jan Oblak.

Barcelona took control after the break and went ahead when Lamine Yamal played López through in the 66th minute. Atlético sought an equaliser late in the match, but Barcelona held on for the three points. López’s second goal was his seventh...