Fermín López scored both goals as Barcelona came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The win restores Barça's three-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga before the international break.

Atlético struck first on Sunday, November 8, when Giuliano Simeone converted a Julián Álvarez pass in the 10th minute. The game marked a personal milestone for Fermín López, who turned it around for Barcelona.

Pedri and Lamine Yamal created the chances Fermín converted

Marc Pubill headed against the crossbar for Atlético in the first half. The equalizer arrived just before the break. Pedri ran through the middle and found Fermín. He scored on his second attempt with a left-footed shot across Jan Oblak.

At halftime, Frenkie de Jong replaced Brian Fariñas and played at right back. Barcelona then pressed Atlético higher up the field. The winner came midway through the second half. Lamine Yamal’s pass left Fermín alone against Oblak, who had come off his line. Fermín finished with his right foot.

Fermín said he and Lamine Yamal understand each other very well. He added that the pass for the winner was half the goal. Fermín played 74 minutes, took six shots and earned a rating of 9.55 from the data provider. Lamine Yamal created seven key passes. Barcelona played without the injured Rodri, and Anthony Gordon started.

Barça answer Real Madrid’s Saturday win over Valencia

Real Madrid had beaten Valencia 3-0 on Saturday. Barça responded a day later in Madrid. They now have 11 wins and one defeat from 12 games, while Atlético remain third.

Barcelona controlled the ball, with 675 passes to Atlético’s 391. Both sides put four shots on target. Atlético finished with 1.71 expected goals to Barcelona’s 1.62. Simeone said his team had not finished their chances as well as on other days. He called Barça very good in that area.

Barcelona have now won three straight games in all competitions, including a 3-0 win over Aston Villa and a 6-1 win over Alaves. Atlético have lost two in a row after a 0-2 defeat to Bayern München. The scoreline repeated Barcelona’s 2-1 league win at Atlético on 4 April 2026. Raphinha leads the LaLiga scoring chart with 15 goals, and Lamine Yamal has 10.

Barcelona host Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday, November 22. Fermín made his league debut against the same opponent on August 27, 2023. That away game ended in a 4-3 Barça win, with Xavi Hernández sending him on as a substitute four minutes from the end of regulation. Atlético visit Getafe on the same day. Barcelona then travel to Sabah for the fifth Champions League matchday on Wednesday, November 25. That game kicks off at 18:45 Spanish time at Baku Olympic Stadium.

Sources

Atlético de Madrid vs FC Barcelona – LALIGA EA SPORTS

Atlético Madrid 1-2 FC Barcelona: Comeback to stay top

Horario confirmado para el Barça-Villarreal

Barça pass their biggest test yet as Fermín López sinks Atlético Madrid