The diminutive Argentine midfielder denied Barcelona away blushes in La Liga for the umpteenth time with a sensational free-kick in the final minutes of the match.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-c9879 Alves, Radamel Falcao and Lionel Messi were able to put their names on the score-sheet.
In a Barcelona dominated first half, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Radamel-Falcao-c30276, brought the score to level footing as the match opened up after the interval.
Atletico Madrid were unfortunate to be on the wrong end of two questionable offside calls and saw their efforts undone by the genius of Lionel Messi, who scored on a free-kick taken from 25 yards out.
In the final stages of the match, the hosts tried their best for a point against the reigning Spanish and European champions, but saw an agile Victor Valdes in their way. The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Adrián-c3701 at the death of the match to preserve
the Catalan team’s advantage.
After the match, an ecstatic Pep Guardiola praised http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 for the winner and his service to the club over the years. The Catalan manager hailed the manner in which the diminutive attacker stepped up for the team and ensured victory.
"A leader is he who steps forward when his team needs him and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Leo-c22011 [Messi] has been doing that for four years," the two-time UEFA Champions League winner remarked.
Guardiola was also at hand to talk about Barcelona’s chances of retaining the Spanish title. With Real Madrid continuing their rich vein of form that has seen them register 21 wins from their 24 La Liga fixtures, the 41-year-old believes the title
is out of their grasp.
Continuing on the topic, he added that despite the odds they will continue to fight until the end.
"I don't think we will win the league, but we will fight until the end," said Guardiola at the post-match press conference.
"We have passed a difficult test against a very tough opponent."
In their next La Liga fixture, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 take on the challenge of Sporting Gijon, at the Camp Nou, on 3rd March.
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