Barcelona overturn Atletico deficit as Fermin Lopez double keeps La Liga leaders clear

Barcelona came from behind to beat Atletico de Madrid 2-1 and move three points clear at the top of La Liga, with Fermin Lopez scoring twice. The result extended their away winning run in the league to six matches.

Atletico threatened early through Julian Alvarez and Marc Pubill, whose header hit the crossbar, before Barcelona’s Pedri struck the woodwork. Alvarez then created the opening goal, setting up Giuliano Simeone for a close-range finish in the 10th minute.

Fermin levelled shortly before half-time with a superb left-footed effort. Barcelona took control after the break, with Lamine Yamal and Pedri causing problems, and Fermin completed the comeback in the 66th minute by meeting Yamal’s well-weighted pass first time.

Atletico, managed by Diego Simeone, could not find a response and remain third, five points behind Barcelona.

Villarreal leave it late against Getafe

Villarreal ended a difficult week with a 2-0 win over Getafe after scoring twice in the final stages.

The hosts dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances. Tajon Buchanan missed an early opportunity, while David Soria saved well from Santiago Mourino. Pape Gueye later failed to convert a one-on-one chance.

Nicolas Pepe set up Buchanan to break the deadlock in the 80th minute, and Carlos Romero added a second in stoppage time. Getafe have yet to score or win away in La Liga this season.

Real Betis strengthen top-four position

Real Betis scored twice late on to beat Elche 2-0 and consolidate their place in the top four.

Pablo Fornals and Troy Parrott went close for Betis in the first half, while Elche’s German Valera and Federico Redondo also missed promising opportunities. After the interval, Matias Dituro made excellent saves from Abde Ezzalzouli and Isco as Betis increased the pressure.

The visitors finally broke through in the 81st minute. Dani Ceballos delivered a cross, Jose Morante’s header hit the post and Rodrigo Riquelme converted after Elche failed to clear. Marc Bartra headed in a corner in the 89th minute to end Betis’ three-game winless away run in all competitions.

Oskarsson ends Rayo’s unbeaten run

Real Sociedad beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to return to winning ways and end Rayo’s six-match unbeaten run in this fixture.

Takefusa Kubo hit the woodwork in the first half, with Orri Oskarsson and Luka Sucic also threatening. Rayo improved after the break, but Pedro Diaz missed from close range after Andrei Ratiu created the chance.

Oskarsson punished that miss in the 75th minute, finishing after Ander Barrenetxea had been found by Alex Remiro’s long clearance. Remiro then saved from Florian Lejeune, while Isi Palazon struck the post in stoppage time.

Levante hold Celta Vigo

Celta Vigo have now gone four matches without a win in all competitions after a 0-0 draw with Levante at Balaidos.

Celta dominated possession and had goals from Javi Rueda and Pablo Duran ruled out for offside before half-time. Iago Aspas was denied by Mathew Ryan after the break, Javi Galan shot over and Ryan made a double save from Duran with 10 minutes remaining.

Levante remain 17th, one point above the relegation zone, and are still waiting for their first away league victory.