Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the game as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid to go three points clear at the top of La Liga.
Real Madrid’s defeat to Villarreal on Saturday gave Xavi’s side the chance to earn some breathing space at the summit and they grasped that opportunity with an impressive display at the Civitas Metropolitano.
Dembele’s composed first-half finish was enough to see off the toothless Rojiblancos, who consequently slipped to fifth place.
Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres were sent off for a late off-the-ball clash as the Blaugrana, who were without the suspended Robert Lewandowski, passed a big test to secure their first top-flight victory since the World Cup break.
Barca quickly stamped their authority on the game by dominating possession, Savic and Jose Gimenez making crucial blocks to deny Ansu Fati.
Pedri was the architect for a superb opening goal in the 22nd minute, bursting into the box and laying the ball off to Gavi, who played it into Dembele’s path and the winger found the bottom-left corner with a clinical right-foot finish.
Jan Oblak prevented Pedri from adding a second soon after, but Atleti posed an increasing threat and Jose Gimenez headed just wide, before Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept out Antoine Griezmann’s drive with a brilliant one-handed save.
Former Barca man Griezmann had another chance early in the second half, but failed to hit the target from eight yards out.
Savic came to the rescue again by deflecting the dangerous Dembele’s shot wide after Atleti were caught out by a ball over the top.
There was late drama when Savic and Torres were given their marching orders following a tussle and Griezmann had an effort cleared off the line as Barca held on for a big win.
What does it mean? Battling Barca take the initiative
Barca had been beaten without scoring a goal in their previous two visits to the Metropolitano, but showed the sort of fight that is needed to win a title.
A fiery draw with Espanyol in their first LaLiga game after the World Cup was a blow, but they were excellent in the first half and rolled up their sleeves after the break to get the better of Diego Simeone’s tenacious side.
A fifth LaLiga loss of the season for Atleti leaves them behind Real Betis in their battle to qualify for the Champions League.
