Atletico 1-2 Barça: Messi's timely appearance keeps the title race wide open

Atletico 1-2 Barça: Messi's timely appearance keeps the title race wide open

The Argentine scored in the final minutes for the second week running as Luis Enrique's side squeezed past a tough Atletico side at the Vicente Calderon

Barcelona left it late but before beating Atletico Madrid, with Lionel Messi scoring a late winner for the second league game running. 

There were celebations this time, though, when he got on the end of his own free-kick to give Barça a 2-1 win and three valuable points in the title race. 

Last weekend's penalty winner wasn't celebrated with as much glee, but there was more to be happy about at the Vicente Calderon as Luis Enrique's side moved top of La Liga -- at least until Real Madrid's game at Villarreal later on Sunday. 

In a surprise move, Barça lined up with a 3-4-3 formation, with Luis Enrique later confirming it was to gain more control.

It didn't have that affect, though, in a first half dominated by Atletico. Marc-Andre ter Stegen made several key interventions, including one stunning stop from a long range Antoine Griezmann effort. 

Barça had chances too, mind. Jan Oblak made an equally good save from a Messi free-kick and Luis Suarez had a goal ruled out for handling the ball.

The opening goal arrived after the break. Rafinha was in the right place at the right time to smartly finish after Suarez's shot was blocked. 

Atletico quickly levelled things up when Diego Godin headed home after Sergio Busquets had given away a free-kick. 

With a draw looming for the second week running, though, Messi popped up, poking home from six-yards having previously taken the free-kick to start the move some 40 yards further down the pitch. 

He didn't celebrate last week's winner against Leganes, for whatever reason, but there was plenty to celebrate here. 

Following Madrid's loss at Valencia in the week, Barça believe again. 

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