Barcelona and Atletico Madrid met at the Camp Nou in La Liga on Sunday evening.
Goals from Neymar and Luis Suarez left the home side with a two-goal lead at the interval.
Atletico were back in the match just before the hour, however, courtesy of a Mario Mandzukic penalty.
The spot kick inspired the visitors, but Barca made sure of the points late on when Lionel Messi converted from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome the Spanish champions Atletico Madrid. It promises to be a fascinating night of football in Barcelona, but before we get down to the facts and figures, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news, which has just filtered through. Messi will be happy because he starts...
TEAMS
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Iniesta, Busquets, Rakitic; Neymar, Messi, Suarez
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Gamez; Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Griezmann, Mandzukic, Turan
For a change, there are no real surprises in the Barca XI this evening. The back four and goalkeeper are as expected, while Ivan Rakitic starts in midfield alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. It is the power three in attack, meanwhile, with Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez all in the side.
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As expected, Fernando Torres drops out for Atletico Madrid, with Mario Mandzukic coming in to lead their line. The Croatian will be supported by in-form Antoine Griezmann and Arda Turan. Miranda is back on the bench for the away side, but Jose Gimenez keeps his spot at centre-back. There is also a place at left-back for Jesus Gamez, who has impressed in recent matches.
It might come as a bit of a surprise, but Atletico are without a win in their last eight league matches against Barcelona – drawing twice and losing six times. However, both league matches last season ended in draws and it was the 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou that ultimately secured Atletico the league title. This stadium last season was the scene of one of their greatest-ever triumphs.
Despite that somewhat surprising winless run against Barca in the league, Atletico remained unbeaten in six clashes across three separate competitions with the Catalan outfit last season. Barca won the Spanish Super Cup at the start of the 2013-14 campaign on away goals, but Atletico eliminated Barca in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The league match at the Calderon last season ended in a goalless draw, before as mentioned, the two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou. Alexis Sanchez sent the home side ahead after 34 minutes, but Diego Godin equalised minutes into the second period to secure the title.
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Both Barcelona and Atletico have picked up 38 points from their 17 league games this season, but Barca sit second to Real Madrid due to their superior goal difference. As it stands, Real Madrid currently sit four points clear at the top of the table following their 3-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday.
Barcelona had the chance to go top last weekend after Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Valencia, but the Catalan outfit were beaten 1-0 at Real Sociedad – a match that brought a host of issues to light. There have been question marks over Luis Enrique's long-term position amid talk of a fall-out with Messi, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days. Hardly ideal preparation for this match.
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu also revealed on Wednesday that there would be an early presidential election at the end of the season. That announcement followed the departure of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and his assistant, long-serving centre-back Carlos Puyol.
However, Barca picked up a much-needed win over Elche in the first leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash on Thursday. The Catalan outfit struggled for long periods of the first half, but managed to enter the break three goals ahead. A final score of 5-0 was a welcome result for under-pressure Enrique.
That said, it is in the league and the Champions League where Barca's priorities lie this season. They will face Premier League champions Manchester City in the last-16 stage of the Champions League next month, while matters in La Liga are certainly hotting up as the season approaches its mid-point.
Barca's home form in the league this season has been strong, with seven wins from their eight matches. They have also scored 29 times at the Camp Nou and conceded just three. Atletico have also been strong at home, with two of their three league defeats this season coming on their travels.
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Last weekend proved extremely fruitful for Atletico as they won and Barca and Real Madrid both lost. The good news did not stop there for Atletico supporters, however, with their side beating Real Madrid 2-0 in the first leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash at the Calderon on Wednesday evening.
Both sides rested key players in the cup match, but it was Atletico that came through to record a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg. The winner of that tie has the small matter of Barcelona or Elche in the next round. Well, with respect to Elche, Barca are already in the next round of the competition.
Atletico lost at home to Villarreal on December 14, but they returned to winning ways away to Athletic Bilbao before the winter break. Last weekend's 3-1 victory over Levante continued their impressive form and there is no question that they are here to stay. The expected fall-away has not happened.
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Atletico's success this season is even more incredible when taking their numbers into context. As touched upon, Barca have the best defensive record in the league this season having conceded just eight times. Atletico, meanwhile, have conceded 15 goals thus far. Down the other end, Barca have scored 41 times to Atletico's 34. However, both trail Real Madrid's goal tally (59) by some distance.
PREDICTION! Take a look at my score prediction here...
Whatever happens this evening, let's hope for a wonderful feast of football. We have two excellent sides on display, while the atmosphere inside the stadium is just sensational. I for one cannot wait!
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Who will sit second in the table at the end of the night? As it stands, both have taken 38 points from their 17 matches.
The stadium is having a minute's reflection for the recent attacks in Paris. Wonderfully observed.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway at the Camp Nou. What will tonight bring...
Bright start from the away side as Griezmann breaks down the right before feeding Tiago, but the midfielder cannot find a cross into the Barca box. Nothing muted about the start from Atletico, who will expect to be without the ball for long spells of this match, especially early on.
As predicted, Barca have taken control of the possession in the last couple of minutes, with Neymar enjoying the ball in a wide area. The Brazilian attempts to slide a pass towards Messi, but Gimenez is on hand to make the clearance. Moments later, Barca force their first corner of the match.
Messi is playing on the left at the moment, with Suarez very much the central striker.
Atletico are finding it difficult to ease the Barca pressure at the moment as Koke is immediately surrounded in the middle of the park. Alves has not been shy in delivering crosses thus far, but Godin and Gimenez have both been strong aerially. A fairly cagey opening seven minutes in Barcelona.
Barca are camped outside the Atletico box at the moment, but they are finding it difficult to break through the last line of defence. Eventually Atletico regain the ball when Pique hits a pass just wayward.
CHANCE! First sign of Messi as the Argentine dances past three defenders before firing one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Atletico (Neymar)
Breakthrough Barca! The home side take the lead with 12 minutes on the clock as Neymar rolls home at the far post following a mix-up inside the Atletico box. Messi and Suarez were both involved, but it was fairly untidy to say the least. Not that the Catalan outfit will mind much!
SAVE! Barca come close to scoring a second as Alba strikes one from the edge of the box, but Moya is down to make a bright save, before pushing the ball away from danger. All Barca here.
Half-chance for Atletico - their first of the match - as Koke finds some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Atletico look a little shell-shocked at the moment.
Barca continue to threaten as a set piece from Rakitic causes problems inside the Atletico box, but the away side manage to clear - helped by a wonderful challenge by Gimenez on Neymar. The ball breaks to Iniesta on the edge of the box, but his effort was high of the crossbar. It remains 1-0 Barca.
Neymar is still down after feeling the force of that challenge from Gimenez...
... there is blood all over the sock of Neymar. It does not look good at all for the Brazilian.
Neymar will leave the field for some treatment, but it is unclear whether he will return at this stage. It must be said that it was a fair challenge, but the impact on Neymar's ankle was really nasty.
No bookings thus far, but it is starting to get very lively in terms of challenges. Simeone and Enrique also have words on the touchline. I was wondering how long it would take for this one to boil up!
BOOKING! Gamez (Atletico) chops Messi to the ground to pick up the first yellow.
Neymar - patched up - returns!
Another half-chance for the home side as Suarez meets a deep cross from Iniesta, but his header was always moving wide of the post. Atletico are just struggling in the final third at the moment, with Mandzukic hardly featuring. Griezmann has also been isolated down the left thus far.
CHANCE! Oh my word how are Barca not two up? Suarez does wonderfully to drive past Gamez outside the Atletico box before floating a cross onto the head of Neymar, but the Brazilian places his effort wide of the post. Suarez, Neymar and Messi all look in the mood this evening.
Atletico are a touch fortunate to only be one behind at the moment that is for certain.
The feistiness in terms of challenges continues as Alves brings Griezmann to the ground in a wide area. The resulting set piece is played short, but Atletico cannot find a cross into the Barca box.
Atletico are holding a high line at the moment, which is quite a surprise. Neither Godin nor Gimenez are blessed with pace, while Barca's front three are lightening. Atletico have just started to find a way into this match, however, with Griezmann starting to see possession. The away side are still well-placed.
CHANCE! Another chance on the counter for the home side as Messi collects a pass from Neymar before firing one towards goal, but Moya is on hand to make another really smart save.
It would be fair to say that Messi has had his struggles against Atletico in the past, but the Argentine is full of beans this evening. Another half-chance arrives for the home side as Rakitic delivers from the right, but Moya is on hand to claim. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Barcelona.
BOOKING! Mandzukic (Atletico) is booked after clashing with Busquets.
Handbags between both sets of players at the moment. It is very spicy indeed!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Atletico (Suarez)
Barcelona double their lead with 35 minutes on the clock as Messi drives into the Atletico box before finding Suarez, who finishes into the back of the net. Super, super goal from the home side.
Ohhhh. Replays have shown that Messi used his arm in the build-up to Barca's second.
Well, my score prediction is out of the window. My 7/1 tip of a 1-1 draw has now gone as well. Atletico have a lot of work to do if they are to turn this one around at the Camp Nou.
Without stating the obvious, Atletico need to score the next goal. Another from Barcelona and it is curtains as far as this match is concerned. The home side have been up for this from the very first whistle.
CLOSE! Barca come close to scoring a third as Messi meets a cross from Alba, but his flicked header is just wide of the post. Atletico just cannot cope with the home side at the moment.
Ouch. Gaméz challenge. pic.twitter.com/zU1JXOeH2G
— AS English (@English_AS) January 11, 2015
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 2-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 2-0. The home side took the lead after 12 minutes through Neymar, before Suarez scored a second after 35 minutes. There was controversy surrounding Barca's second, however, with Messi handling in the build-up.
STATS! The home side have dominated the possession with 69%, while they have had 11 attempts - five of which have been on target. Atletico, however, have had just one attempt off target. There have also been a couple of bookings, with Gamez and Mandzukic carded for the away side.
BENCH WATCH! Not that they need it at the moment, but Barca have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Munir, Pedro and Rafinha all in reserve. Atletico, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Raul Garcia, Saul Niguez and Fernando Torres.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Atletico find a way to turn this one around? They have a lot to do. Barca get the second 45 minutes underway here.
Tonight's attendance at Camp Nou: 81,658 #FCBlive
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 11, 2015
No changes from either side at the interval, which is a slight surprise. Diego Simeone is not afraid to make bold alterations, but the Argentine will allow matters to unfold for the time being at least.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, with Barcelona comfortable in possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that Atletico have a goal in them, however, and if they can strike next at the Camp Nou then we will have a serious match on our hands.
Half-chance for the away side as Godin meets a corner from Koke, but his header just drops high of the crossbar. Barca are down the other end moments later, but Juanfran cuts out a through pass.
BOOKING! Juanfran (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
Barca force the issue with a couple of set pieces outside the Atletico box, but the away side emerge unscathed. Messi has been sensational this evening and the Argentine again embarks on a run into the Atletico area, but this time the attacker is crowded out by two defenders. Still 2-0 Barcelona.
Barca have Atletico right where they want them at the moment as they continue to pass and probe outside the box. Atletico threaten to counter with Griezmann, but Pique is across to sweep back to Bravo.
PENALTY ATLETICO!
Oh my word Atletico are awarded a penalty as Messi is adjudged to have felled Gamez inside the box. It is very, very soft. The away side have a serious lifeline here following that horror call!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Atletico (Mandzukic, pen)
Mandzukic fires Atletico back into the match with a brilliant penalty. Game on!
BOOKING! Suarez (Barca) is booked for dissent after the home side have a penalty appeal turned down. It was a heavy challenge from Gimenez on Rakitic, but no says the referee.
The referee is in danger of losing control here as the feistiness continues.
Barca have just managed to regain control of the ball in the last couple of minutes, but Atletico are now a danger in the final third. Little over 25 minutes remaining and Barca lead by the odd goal in three.
Still no movement on either bench, but both managers have plenty of options for change. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals here. Barca have a couple of half-chances through Neymar and Messi, but both have efforts blocked inside the box. What a fascinating match!
BOOKING! Tiago (Atletico) is booked for a tug on Neymar.
Messi stands over the resulting set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall.
Torres will soon make his league debut for Atletico - well, second league debut!
SUB! The change is indeed made as Torres replaces Gabi.
Torres has eight goals in 11 games against Barcelona. What a time it would be to make it nine in 12.
BOOKING! Griezmann (Atletico) is booked for dissent.
Little under 20 minutes of football remaining and you can just sense some nerves inside the stadium. Well not some, a lot of nerves. Barca were comfortable at 2-0, but the entire match has now changed. Still no movement on the home side's bench, but they have plenty of options in reserve this evening.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Barca have started to give away free kicks in dangerous areas. One set piece for Atletico and they could level things up.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Garcia replaces Griezmann.
BOOKING! Mascherano (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.
Torres collects a cross from Juanfran before spinning inside the Atletico box, but the Spaniard had just moved into an offside position. Little over 10 minutes of football to play and the score remains 2-1.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Mandzukic runs away from two defenders before curling a low cross towards Torres, but Bravo just beats the Spanish forward to the ball.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as a sustained period of possession leads to a dangerous low cross from Torres, but Bravo just manages to parry clear of a white shirt and there were a number in close proximity. Barcelona do not look sure at the back at the moment.
BOOKING! Messi (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Moya.
BOOKING! Godin (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Suarez.
Handbags between Godin and a number of Barca players following that late challenge!
SUB! Atletico make their third change as Siqueira replaces Gamez.
Half-chance for Messi as the Argentine meets a low cross from Neymar, but his effort was always straight into the arms of Moya, who has not been tested on a regular basis in the second period.
Tiago tries his luck for the away side after meeting a loose ball outside the box, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match, but for who?
Off-the-ball incident once again as Neymar clashes with Godin. All a little silly!
It was actually Garcia who pushed Neymar to the ground!
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Atletico (Messi)
Barca score their third and surely wrap this game up as Messi converts from close range following a mix-up inside the Atletico box. The Argentine initially failed to meet a cross from Rakitic, but still managed to poke home from close range. Is that game over? Rafinha will soon enter for the home side.
SUB! The change is made as Rafinha replaces Rakitic.
Neymar wants a penalty after going down inside the box under a challenge from Godin, but the referee is not interested. It would have been very harsh indeed.
SUB! Barca make their second change as Pedro replaces Suarez.
That Messi strike has killed off the Atletico challenge, which came from nowhere in the second period. Koke delivers a deep free kick into the Barca box, but Rafinha manages to hook clear.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-1 Atletico
So there we have it. Barca win the battle at the Camp Nou as Neymar, Suarez and Messi all score in a 3-1 win over the current La Liga champions Atletico. The result means that Barca are now just one point off the leaders Real Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
