The message is loud and the message is clear. The sceptics who thought Barça’s league title challenge was over have been proved well and truly wrong.
In one of the hardest fixtures of the season, the trip to Atlético Madrid, the Catalans were back to their best to take all three points and while they were in the Spanish capital, issue a severe warning to another major club in the city – Real Madrid.
The first half was a lively affair, but didn’t see any goals, although Luis Suárez did get the ball in the back of the net only to have his effort disallowed.
The deadlock was finally broken by Rafinha, a chaotic affair that very much reflected the nature of the match. But the lead didn’t last long. Atlético hit back when Diego Godín nodded a free-kick past Ter Stegen, who posted yet another remarkable performance with some tremendous saves.
The game was heading for a 1-1 draw until, just four minutes from the end of regulation time, up stepped Leo Messi to add another goal to what was already the best tally in the competition (20) and secure three absolutely crucial points for Barça.
Click on the video above, and enjoy all the best of the action from a memorable afternoon of football.
