Lopez double fires Barcelona to win at Atletico Madrid

MADRID: Fermin Lopez scored twice as Barcelona overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano Stadium, widening their lead at the top of LaLiga to three points. Atletico, now third in the table, trails second-place Real Madrid by five points after a 3-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday. Giuliano Simeone gave Atletico the opening goal, but Lopez equalized shortly before halftime.

The 23-year-old Spanish international then secured the win for Barcelona with his seventh league goal of the season in the 66th minute. The match began with both teams creating chances, with Alvarez failing to capitalize on a crossbar opportunity and Atletico's Marc Pubill's header hitting the crossbar. Pedri's shot also struck the woodwork after being played in by Yamal.

Atletico took the lead in the 10th minute, exploiting Barcelona's defense with a cross that Simeone converted. Despite Atletico's lead, the second half saw more scoring opportunities, including a missed header from Alvarez. Lopez's second goal sealed the victory for Barcelona, who now lead the league standings. Real Betis moved up to fourth place with a 2-0 win at Elche, while Real Sociedad claimed fifth position after defeating Rayo Vallecano 1-0. Villarreal rose to eighth with a 2-0 win over Getafe, and Celta Vigo and Levante drew 0-0.