MADRID (Reuters) - Lionel Messi came to Barcelona's rescue for the second time in a week by snatching a late winner to give his side a barely deserved 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday which provisionally took the champions top of La Liga. They made a timid start and had goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to thank for impressive saves in either half. Boosted by their 4-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, Atletico made a dominant start, surrounding Barca's area and pouncing on any mistake. Down the other end, Atletico's Jan Oblak turned away a curling Messi free kick to announce his return after 10 weeks out injured, while Luis Suarez had a goal ruled out for a foul in a goalmouth scramble. "I think we played a perfect game but they had two rebounds and they took advantage of them and leave here with the three points," said Atletico captain Gabi.

Source: The Star February 26, 2017 17:27 UTC