Lopez double earns Liga leaders Barca win at Atletico

Fermin Lopez scored twice to lead Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, giving the Spanish champions a three-point lead at the top of La Liga. Atletico took the early lead with a goal from Giuliano Simeone, but Lopez equalized just before halftime. The 23-year-old Spain international then sealed the win in the 66th minute.

Atletico captain Koke acknowledged the defeat was their first in La Liga since September 5, but said his team would not let it impact them negatively. He added that they had a good first half but missed chances to secure the victory.