Barca go 3 points clear after massive win in Madrid

Mueez Ajao

– Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the game as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.

– Xavi Hernandez’s side took advantage of rival Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Villarreal on Saturday to take sole possession of first place in LaLiga with 41 points from their first 16 games.

– Ousmane Dembele gave Barcelona a deserved lead just past the 20-minute mark, dispatching an assist from a Gavi with a first-time shot to beat Jan Oblak at his far post.

Also Read: Lewandowski suspension upheld ahead of Barca trip to Atletico

– Atleti grew into the game after conceding and Jose Maria Gimenez’s powerful header just before the half just missed levelling the score as Barca clung to a 1-0 lead at half-time.

– France international Dembele left the door open for Atletico after missing two quality chances in the second half to put the game away, but the hosts failed to take advantage.

– Two minutes into stoppage time Barca’s Ferran Torres and Atletico’s Stefan Savic were sent off for violent conduct as the visitors held on for the narrow win and a crucial three points.

– The result gives Barca a three-point edge over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, while Diego Simeone’s Atleti are in fifth place and outside of the Champions League places.