Messi’s late strike sinks Atletico

MADRID: Lionel Messi hit a sensational late goal to give Barcelona a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid as the holder reclaimed top spot in La Liga from Real Madrid.

The Argentine, playing his 701st game for Barcelona, settled a pulsating and tense encounter in the 86th minute. He galloped down the right wing and cut inside before playing a one-two with Luis Suarez and guiding the ball into the bottom corner. It was Messi’s 30th goal in 39 competitive games against Atletico – the strike inflicting a first home defeat on Diego Simeone’s side since February.

“Whenever you have a game like this which is really tight and tough, being able to count on

Messi is always an advantage,” said Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde. Messi’s goal saw Barcelona return to the top of the standings with 31 points after 14 games, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference. Atletico was left in the sixth spot on 25 points, having played one match more than the two pacesetters.

Atletico and Barcelona hit the woodwork and visiting keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen made two stunning saves. The home side felt Gerard Pique should have been shown a second yellow card in the second half for a late tackle on Alvaro Morata. The host was also fortunate not to have a player sent off as Vitolo slammed into Pique’s knee with a fierce challenge, a few minutes later after picking up a booking.

Antoine Griezmann, who got a hostile reception from the home fans in his first game against his old side, had a poor outing, firing his only chance over the bar. Ahead of the contest, Atletico was under pressure with just one win from its previous six games.

It made a flying start, nearly going ahead when Barcelona’s Junior Firpo deflected a cross against the far post. This was soon after Ter Stegen pulled off a marvellous save to thwart Mario Hermoso from point-blank range. The German then demonstrated outstanding reflexes.

He swooped to the ground to beat away a header from Morata, while he watched a shot from Hector Herrera fly past the post.

Barcelona was cagey in its approach for large chunks of the game although Pique hit the bar with a header before the break and Ivan Rakitic scuffed a shot straight at keeper Jan Oblak. Roared on by 67,000 fans, Atletico looked more likely to snatch a winner but yet again Messi proved to be the difference. His goal here could also prove crucial in what looks set to be a thrilling two-horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid, who meet at the Camp Nou on December 18 in the ‘El Clasico’.

Whenever you have a game like this which is really tight and tough, being able to count on Lionel Messi is always an advantage Valverde, Barcelona manager