Robert Lewandowski scored a dramatic late winner as Barcelona edged Atletico Madrid 2-1, moving seven points clear at the top of La Liga according to Al Jazeera. The victory came as second-placed Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat at Mallorca earlier on Saturday, allowing Barca to take a significant step towards defending the league title.

Match Summary and Key Moments

Atletico Madrid opened the scoring in the 39th minute through Giuliano Simeone, the coach’s son, who burst in behind Barcelona’s high defensive line onto Clement Lenglet’s pass and slammed past goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Barcelona responded swiftly. Equalizing just three minutes later when Marcus Rashford exchanged passes with Dani Olmo and drilled past Atletico’s goalkeeper Juan Musso on only his third league start since January.

Atletico midfielder Nico Gonzalez was sent off just before the break, after scythed down Barcelona’s 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal on the edge of the box as he ran towards goal. The hosts were reduced to 10 men and had to dig deep to avoid defeat, which they almost managed in the second half.

Barcelona’s defender Gerard Martin was dismissed early in the second half after thumping the ball away, but then clattered Thiago Almada with a high foot, while However, after a VAR review, the red card was revoked, much to Atletico’s fury.

Substitutions and Key Performances

Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated heavily with little left to play for in La Liga, keeping in mind their upcoming visit to Camp Nou. His Barcelona counterpart. Hansi Flick. Opted for Dani Olmo as a false nine to rest Lewandowski, while starting Rashford in place of the injured Raphinha on the left wing.

The England international. On loan from Manchester United. Tested Juan Musso early on with a free-kick, which the goalkeeper fielded comfortably. At the other end, Antoine Griezmann, playing for Atletico for the first time since announcing his departure at the end of the season to MLS side Orlando City, was profligate. The forward skipped into the box and cleverly nutmegged Gerard Martin, but his shot was too close to Barca stopper Joan Garcia to trouble the new Spain international.

Fermin Lopez was similarly wasteful at the other end, unable to find Rashford, who had a clear sight of goal, and prodding wide himself when Lamine Yamal sent him scuttling through with a sensational pass. Yamal himself hit the post with a dinked effort after Lopez laid the ball off to him as the game flowed from end to end.

Closing Moments and Lewandowski’s Goal

Barcelona substitute Ferran Torres, without a goal since January, was twice thwarted by Musso as the visitors probed for a winner but struggled to make their numerical advantage count. Eventually, their winner came when Joao Cancelo cut his way into the penalty area, and his cross-shot was pushed out by Musso, only for wily striker Lewandowski to knock it home with his shoulder after 87 minutes.

Lewandowski’s goal secured the three points for Barcelona, moving them seven points clear at the top of La Liga. The victory also provided a much-needed boost as Real Madrid’s slip-up at Mallorca allowed Barca to take a commanding lead in the title race.