Barcelona Stuns Atlético with Late Comeback to Become La Liga Co-Leaders
Barcelona secured a stunning 4-2 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano in a crucial La Liga Matchday 28 encounter. In a thrilling turnaround, the Catalans scored twice in stoppage time through Lamine Yamal (92’) and Ferrán Torres (96’), completing an incredible comeback after trailing 2-0 with just 20 minutes left. Goals from Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sorloth had initially put Atlético in control, but Robert Lewandowski and Ferrán Torres started the comeback before the dramatic finale.
Controversy in the First Half
The match was fiercely contested from the start, with controversy arising in the first half. Referee De Burgos Bengoetxea failed to send off Jules Koundé despite a clear act of aggression against Giuliano Simeone. The Barcelona defender had already received a yellow card for an earlier foul on Reinildo.
Atlético took the lead just before halftime when Julián Álvarez finished off a brilliant move down the right flank, initiated by Antoine Griezmann and assisted by Simeone. The home side looked in control and further extended their lead after the break when Sorloth found the net.
Barcelona’s Incredible Fightback
Despite playing just 93 hours after their Champions League elimination against Real Madrid, Atlético collapsed in the final 20 minutes. Lewandowski pulled one back immediately after Sorloth’s goal, and Ferrán Torres equalized in the 78th minute with a header from a pinpoint Raphinha cross.
The dramatic ending saw Lamine Yamal fire Barcelona into the lead in the 92nd minute before Ferrán Torres sealed the win in the dying seconds. The Metropolitano fell silent, stunned by the sudden collapse of a team that had squandered its advantage so carelessly.
La Liga Title Race Heats Up
With this victory, Barcelona climbs to the top of La Liga with 60 points, level with Real Madrid but having played one more match. Atlético, meanwhile, end a disastrous week that saw them eliminated from the Champions League on penalties and now drop further behind in the domestic title race. They remain third with 56 points, while Athletic Club, after defeating Sevilla 1-0, sits fourth with 52.
