Barcelona will use the mid-season break to regroup after surrendering their lead in the La Liga title.

La Blaugrana have won just one of their last seven league games, ending 2024 with a 2-1 home defeat to Atletico Madrid.

A first home defeat to Los Rojiblancos since 2006 changes the picture of the title race as they will now top the rankings at the start of 2025.

Barcelona have struggled to translate their impressive UEFA Champions League form into domestic affairs and an answer must be found in January.

Pedri scored the first goal of the night, but Barcelona failed to stave off the counterattack threat late on as Alexander Sorloth scored the winner in the 96th minute.

The Spain international was frustrated in the closing stages and admitted he lacked ruthlessness in front of goal.

“It’s a tough defeat. We had the chance to finish the game and if you don’t finish it, this is what happens,” Marca is quoted as saying.

“We had a lot of clear chances. Robert, Raphinha, one more for me – football is complicated when you don’t score goals.

“We have to be harder to beat at home. We have to improve a lot and use the break to recover mentally and physically.”

Barcelona face a busy start to 2025, with a Copa del Rey trip to Barbastro on January 4 before heading straight to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.