Sorloth scores late to send Simeone’s Atleti top of La Liga with win at Barca

Alexander Sorloth scored a last-gasp winner as Atletico Madrid stole a 2-1 victory at Barcelona after battling back from a goal down.

Atletico will sit top of La Liga at Christmas after Rodrigo de Paul cancelled out Pedri’s opener and then with their last attack of the game, substitute Sorloth secured a remarkable victory.

Diego Simeone’s side only recorded four shots on goal throughout the match as their goalkeeper Jan Oblak frustrated the hosts by making several saves.

However, after staying in the match Atletico hit on the break at the death with Nahuel Molina making a darting run and then sending a perfect ball into the box for Sorloth to net.

Barcelona fans have been frustrated by mixed results but looked comfortable in the first half, and Pedri played a one-two with Gavi before firing home.

The home side pushed for a second goal and Fermin Lopez had an effort saved by Oblak before Raphinha rattled the crossbar.

However, on the hour mark, Atletico equalised with their first real telling shot at goal with De Paul capitalising on a weak clearance and firing home.

Oblak then came into his own denying both Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

Those saves were crucial as in the last minute of added time, Atletico hit on the break and substitute Sorloth fired home the winner.

Atletico have now won 12 consecutive matches in all competitions and sit proud at the summit of La Liga heading into Christmas.

Barcelona should have finished off Aletico Madrid and had 19 shots at goal compared to their visitors’ five.

However, after Pedri put the hosts ahead through a fine strike they failed to complete the victory.

Raphinha hitting the bar with his side a goal ahead was the turning point in the match, as two minutes later De Paul equalised.

The further the game progressed the less likely Barcelona looked to score as Lewandowski and Raphinha both squandered great chances.

Atletico looked happy to take a a point and the chance to stay level with their league rivals on points heading into Christmas.

However, Barcelona were exposed in the last moment and Atletico took advantage to continue their winning run.

The Slovenian goalkeeper was the difference between the sides and made six saves to deny Barcelona further goals.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone turned straight to his goalkeeper following the winning goal, as a sign of how Oblak kept them in the game.

A key moment for the goalkeeper was denying Pedri his second goal of the game from close range with just three minutes remaining.

Barcelona: Pena 7, Kounde 7, Cubarsi 6, Martinez 7, Balde 6, Casado 7, Pedri 8, Raphinha 7, Lopez 6, Gavi 6, Lewandowski 6. Subs: Garcia 6, Olmo 7, Torres 6

Atletico Madrid: Oblak 9, Llorente 6, Gimenez 7, Lenglet 6, Galan 6, Simeone 7, De Paul 7, Barrios 6, Gallagher 6, Griezmann 6, Alvarez 7. Subs: Koke 6, Le Normand 7, Molina 7, Sorloth 7, Witsel 7

30’ – GOAL! BARCELONA 1 (PEDRI) ATLETICO MADRID 0: Pedri started the move cutting in from the wing and driving into the box. He plays a one-two with Gavi before firing low into the net.

58’ –RAPHINHA RATTLES BAR: Pedri finds the run of Raphinha who with the goalkeeper racing out tries to lob the shot-stopper. The shot clearly beats the ‘keeper but cannons off the crossbar.

60’ – GOAL! BARCELONA 1 ATLETICO MADRID 1 (DE PAUL): Atletico hit on the break and the ball is only cleared back into the path of De Paul who rifles the ball into the bottom corner.

87’ – OBLAK MAKES CRUCIAL SAVE: Pedri with a lovely ball into Raphinha. However, the forward’s touch is heavy and it takes the ball wide and allows Oblak to narrow the angle and save.

90+6’ – GOAL! BARCELONA 1 ATLETICO MADRID 2 (SORLOTH): Substitute Molina finds himself in space and then sends a pin-point pass to Sorloth who slides the ball home.