Torres' Brace Fires Barcelona to Top of La Liga

Ferran Torres struck twice as Barcelona staged a stunning comeback to defeat Atletico Madrid 4-2 in a high-intensity La Liga encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, reclaiming the top spot in the standings.

With the victory, Barcelona moved level on 60 points with Real Madrid, who edged past Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday, but the Catalan side hold a game in hand following the postponement of their fixture against Osasuna last week. Atletico, meanwhile, remain third with 56 points after 28 matches.

“It’s a great three points, and we are happy to be at the top,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said. “I am proud of the team; they never gave up.”

Atletico Madrid took the lead on the stroke of halftime when Julian Alvarez finished off a swift counter-attack initiated by Antoine Griezmann, with Giuliano Simeone delivering a well-timed assist for the Argentine’s 11th league goal of the season.

Diego Simeone’s men doubled their advantage in the 70th minute, as substitute Alexander Sorloth netted from close range after being set up by Conor Gallagher, putting the home side in a commanding position.

However, Barcelona responded almost immediately through Robert Lewandowski, who capitalised on Inigo Martinez’s precise cross to reduce the deficit. The Polish forward’s goal—his 22nd of the league season—ignited the visitors’ resurgence.

Ferran Torres restored parity in the 78th minute, rising to meet substitute Raphinha’s well-placed delivery with a powerful header. The dramatic turnaround continued in stoppage time, as Lamine Yamal unleashed a long-range effort that found the back of Jan Oblak’s net, putting Barcelona in the lead.

Torres then sealed the victory with his second of the night, completing a remarkable comeback for the Catalans.

“It was very important to get the three points today,” said Yamal. “We were frustrated, but we showed our best side and fought back.”

The two sides are set to face each other again in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, with the return leg scheduled at the Metropolitano on April 2 after the first leg ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw.