Barcelona held a 10-point lead over Atletico at the start of November, but poor form and a string of wins for Diego Simeone’s side have seen Atletico overtake their rivals.

Atletico arrived at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis level on points with the hosts, knowing that a win would see them start 2025 as La Liga leaders.

They were the second best team for most of the evening and had to withstand a storm of Barcelona attacks throughout.

Gavi should have given the hosts the lead with a header in the 25th minute when he found himself unmarked and deflected a cross from Raphinha but failed to find the net from close range.

However, the Spanish midfielder redeemed himself shortly afterwards when he set up Pedri’s opening goal with a deft back-heel shot.

While Flick served the second part of a two-game ban on the sidelines and watched from the stands, Barcelona continued their winning ways in the second half.

Fermin Lopez was denied by a strong save from Oblak and Pedri fired a shot just over the goal, while Raphinha rattled the crossbar with a daring lob before missing in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

However, the hosts were left to rue their missed chances as De Paul sprinted to Casado’s failed backheel defense and fired the ball into the bottom corner.

And Barcelona, ​​who have now lost their last three league games at home, were stunned when Sorloth scored the late winner and Atletico’s celebrations continued as the final whistle blew.