Lionel Messi scored his thirtieth goal against Atletico Madrid to steal victory and send Barcelona back to the top of Laliga.
The match up saw Antoine Griezmann make his first return to the Wanda Metropolitan Stadiun, while Jao Felix, his replacement, returned to Diego Simeone’s starting Laliga line up after being absent for 43 days.
Atletico had a shot at goal early into the game when Barcelona fail to clear off their line after a corner kick, and Koke’s shot got deflected by Junior Firpo in on the wood work.
The RojiBlancos continued to pile enormous pressure on Barça, Jao Felix put in an inch perfect cross which found an open Hermoso, he hit a one time shot at goal but Ter Stegen miracleously managed to pull off a save with his legs.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen produced another outstanding save in the 39th minute when he denied Alvaro Morata’s powerful header from a resulting corner kick to keep the game level.
The true range of @mterstegen1 | #PlayToColor pic.twitter.com/pgFi69wr9W
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 1, 2019
Barcelona got their own fair share of chance just minutes before half time. Gerard Pique’s header could only hit the upright as it ended all square at half time.
The second half started with the home side continue with same intensity with which they ended the first forty-five, looking like the side most likely to break the deadlock.
But it wasn’t long until they handed possession and control of the game to Barcelona. Lionel Messi sprung to life, but his shot was parried by a confident Jan Oblak.
With just 5 minutes of regular time left to play, Lionel Messi stabbed a dagger to the hearts of Atleti fans.

The Argentine forward surged forward, skimming past Atleti players , played a one-two with Luis Suarez before sending in a low curler past Jan Oblak for his first goal at the Wander Metropolitan stadium, winning the Laliga leaders three vital points on the road.