Lionel Messi was the highly predictable match-winner as Barcelona overcame Atletico Madrid in a pulsating showdown at a sodden Wanda Metropolitano.
The ArgentinA star fired home the only goal of the night with five minutes remaining, breaking forward to play a wall pass with Luis Suarez and curl a precise strike into the left corner.
Atletico put up a good fight and will feel they deserved a draw, but one of Messi’s team-mates also played a blinder to deny them.
Find out who with our full player ratings.
ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2)
Jan Oblak 6: Made a series of straightforward saves and had no chance to keep out Messi’s precisely struck winner.
Kieran Trippier 7: Delivered a steady stream of dangerous crosses and a solid defensive job to keep Griezmann quiet.
Felipe 7: Strong and rugged in the heart of defence, but maybe could have done more to block Messi’s winner.
Mario Hermoso 8: Nearly netted from with a low strike from a cross, and defended with calm assurance all night.
Saul Niguez 6: Given a marking role on Messi, he did that job with diligence but had little opportunity to get forward.
Hector Herrera 7: Strong presence, regularly driving his team forward and coming close with a curling drive.
Thomas Partey 6: Anchored and balanced Atletico’s play, but seemed to run out of steam in the latter stages.
Koke 6: Measured and composed on the left of midfield, tracking back to help contain Messi, but quiet in possession.
Angel Correa 6: Worked hard on the right wing but made some poor decisions on the ball. Had a low shot blocked.
Joao Felix 6: Delivered a brilliant cross for Hermoso’s chance and some lovely touches. Replaced after an hour.
Alvaro Morata 7: Determined display to lead the line with energy, and forced a superb save with a powerful header,
SUBSTITUTES
Vitolo 5: Came on midway through the second half, and should have been sent off after clattering Pique when already booked.
Thomas Lemar N/A: Replaced Correa in the latter stages, but failed to provide his team with any attacking spark.
Renan Lodi N/A: Thrown on for the final five minutes as Atletico chased an equaliser, but wasted a good crossing chance.
BARCELONA (4-3-3)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen 8: Made a remarkable reflex save from Hermoso and another great stop to deny Morata.
Sergi Roberto 7: Came forward well down the right to support Messi and made a goalline clearance to prevent a goal.
Gerard Pique 7: Hit the bar with a header and made a key tackle on Felix, but lucky to avoid a second yellow card.
Clement Lenglet 7: Kept things simple at the back, defending sensibly to restrict the threat posed by Felix.
Junior Firpo 6: Deflected a cross onto his own post and really struggled early on. Improved and was steady after the break.
Arthur 7: Made good use of the ball when he received it, helping his team take control either side of the interval.
Ivan Rakitic 7: Operated as a defensive midfielder and did a solid job. Shot weakly with a decent first-half chance.
Frenkie de Jong 6: Grew into the game after a sluggish start, providing a steady link between midfield and attack.
Lionel Messi 9: The best player on the planet crowned another fine performance with a brilliantly taken late winner.
Luis Suarez 7: Fizzed a fierce strike just wide and sent another effort too close to Oblak, before teeing up Messi’s late goal.
Antoine Griezmann 6: Jeered mercilessly, he curled a long shot straight at Oblak and volleyed a chance over the top.
SUBSTITUTES
Arturo Vidal 6: Replaced Arthur in midfield for the final 20 minutes but wasn’t able to make much impact.
Samuel Umtiti N/A: Came on to replace the injured Pique for the last few minutes and made one excellent headed clearance.
