Ferran Torres grabbed the only goal of the game as Barcelona edged out Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday. The former Manchester City attacker scored just before half-time to earn his team three points and take them another step closer to a first La Liga title since 2019.
After two consecutive goalless draws, second-place Real Madrid cut Barca's lead at the top to eight points by defeating 2-0 Celta Vigo on Saturday.
And third-placed Atletico arrived as Spain's most in-form side but Torres stroked home from the edge of the box in the 44th minute to secure victory for Xavi Hernandez's side.
We had to win however it was, it was important to take a big step forward in the hunt for La Liga,” Torres told Movistar after Barca inflicted a first defeat on Atletico in 14 games. “The team worked very hard, the fans were with us from the first moment and the result fell our way.” Xavi brought Frenkie de Jong back into the starting line-up after injury, with Pedri settling for a place on the bench after returning from a two-month absence.