Barca bounce Atleti to boost league hopes

Barcelona have accounted for champions Atletico Madrid 4-2 in La Liga to move back into the Champions League qualification places for the first time since the third round of the season.

The Catalans played with quality and passion to grab a handy advantage, after having gone a goal down, before hanging tough for the final 20 minutes when a man down.

Xavi's team conceded early but rallied to a 4-1 lead before Atletico threatened to get back into the game in the second half.

Luis Suarez -- playing in front of Barcelona fans at the Camp Nou Stadium for the first time since joining Atletico -- pulled the visitors closer in the 58th, then Dani Alves was sent off with a straight red card in the 69th after video review for stepping on Yannick Carrasco's leg from behind.

Barcelona held on, though, earning the victory that could prove a turning point in what has been a challenging season.

"It was an important victory, against the defending champions," Xavi said.

"It was the best Barcelona of the season during some parts of the game. If we keep working hard like this we will lose very few matches."

Real Madrid later on Sunday increased their gap at the top over Sevilla to six points by beating Granada 1-0 at home.

Marco Asensio scored the winner in the 74th with the leaders maintaining their 15-point gap to Barca, while fifth-placed Atletico are two points further adrift.

Atletico led after eight minutes when Suarez set up Carrasco to fire home from inside the area.

Barcelona equalised two minutes later with a superb volley from Jordi Alba to capitalise on a cross from Alves.

Gavi put the hosts ahead with a header in the 21st after a cross by Adama Traore before Araujo netted from close range off the rebound of Gerard Pique's