Personally, I think this is Barca's best game of the season so far, Enriques tactical decision to keep Messi on the right wing simply paid off and he was also spot on with his line up. Everybody played well, I was very impressed with Neymar even though my man of the match is Messi, but he is surely a player for the future and if they can keep performing this way, they will surely have a fantastic season and can beat any side in Europe. Just my view sha. Who agrees with me? Continue for more details from the match after the cut.
Head coach Luis Enrique was criticised by many for his team selection in last weekend's dispiriting 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad and a 5-0 midweek thrashing of Elche in the Copa del Rey did not prevent him from entering Sunday's pivotal Camp Nou encounter under heavy scrutiny.
A rumoured rift between Luis Enrique and Lionel Messi dominated the pre-match build-up, but Barcelona's star man produced a majestic and tenacious display, laying on goals for attacking colleagues Neymar and Luis Suarez to ensure the hosts led 2-0 with 10 minutes to until half-time.
Messi blotted his copybook by conceding a soft 57th-minute penalty that Mario Mandzukic converted to hand Atletico a lifeline, although Diego Simeone's men could not follow Wednesday night's stirring 2-0 cup win over city rivals Real Madrid with another memorable success on the ground where they famously secured the Liga crown on the final day of last season.
It was Messi who fittingly had the final word, ending a run of seven goalless matches against Atletico three minutes from time and closing Barca to within two points of leaders Real having played a game more.
Atletico are three points further back in third after a match where their enterprising start quickly unravelled into a torrid opening half.
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