Fermin double gives LaLiga leaders Barca 2-1 win at Atletico

MADRID, Nov 8 : Barcelona's Fermin Lopez scored twice as the visitors came from behind to win 2-1 at Atletico Madrid and retain a three-point lead at the top of LaLiga on Sunday.

Barca's win takes them clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who moved to 30 points with a 3-0 win at lowly Valencia on Saturday, and five ahead of Atletico in third after 12 games.

The hosts imposed a tempo that Barcelona struggled to counteract before the break. In the second half, the Catalans had a firm grip and the momentum, as coach Hansi Flick's typically aggressive side showed they could exert control too.

Atletico began much stronger, though, piercing Barca's high defensive line with ease. Both sides hit the bar in the opening eight minutes, but it was the home team who deservedly opened the scoring after 10 minutes.

Julian Alvarez had already passed up a golden opportunity, but provided the cross for Giuliano Simeone to bundle the ball into the net from close range.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone had every reason to be pleased with his side's performance when he asked for calm in the 28th minute. The only disappointment was that their smart attacking play had not yielded another goal.

"Of course we wish Julian was as clinical as he normally is, but we're going to wait for Julian (to get back to his best) because he's a great player," Simeone told reporters.

"In order to get where we want to go, we need a great Julian. And if not, we won't get there."

As the half went on, Barca gradually found ways to hurt Atletico, primarily through Lamine Yamal and Pedri.

The latter's driving run led to Fermin sweeping a loose ball into the corner for the equaliser in the 45th minute.

Barcelona dominated proceedings after the break and Atletico's forays into the