Barcelona produced a spirited comeback to claim a 3–1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, handing Diego Simeone’s men their first La Liga defeat since August. Goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres secured a vital win that pushes Barça to 37 points, four clear of second-placed Real Madrid, which plays Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Atletico, entering the match on a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, remains fourth with 31 points.

The match, staged at the partially reopened Camp Nou, marked the stadium’s first marquee fixture since renovations forced a lengthy closure. Though the reduced 45,401-seat capacity muted the typically electric atmosphere, the game quickly delivered drama.

Atletico struck first in the 19th minute, punishing Barcelona’s high defensive line. Nahuel Molina launched a pinpoint long pass that sent Alex Baena surging past Gerard Martin, and Baena finished coolly past Joan Garcia. But Barcelona responded swiftly. In the 26th minute, returning midfielder Pedri celebrated his first start in more than a month by slicing Atletico’s defence open with a trademark through-ball. Raphinha timed his run perfectly, rounded Jan Oblak, and slotted home to make it 1–1.

Barcelona nearly took the lead shortly after when Dani Olmo was brought down by Pablo Barrios, winning a penalty. However, Robert Lewandowski blasted the spot kick over the bar, and moments later saw a powerful header denied by Oblak’s stunning one-handed save. Tempers rose heading into halftime, with Martin booked for a rash challenge on Giuliano Simeone—a decision Atletico felt deserved harsher punishment.

The second half began more cautiously, with both sides missing notable chances. Raphinha squandered a clear opening for Barça, while Giuliano Simeone wasted a promising counter for the visitors. The breakthrough eventually came in the 65th minute. A loose ball fell to Olmo after Lewandowski failed to control Pedri’s pass, and the midfielder struck a crisp low shot into the bottom corner. The celebration was brief, however, as Olmo appeared to injure his shoulder in the process and was forced off in visible pain.

Atletico nearly equalised in the 79th minute when substitute Thiago Almada weaved past two defenders and the keeper, only to send his effort wide. Barcelona sealed the match in the 95th minute through Ferran Torres, who finished off a sweeping counter-attack after Alejandro Balde delivered a precise low cross.

Reflecting on the win, Raphinha emphasised the team’s growing belief. “It’s important to believe in the work. We know there are matches like this, and we have to be prepared for them. That’s the spirit we need to have,” he said. “We are gaining confidence match by match. Today, yes, it was crucial. Points like these can decide a league title.”