Atletico took the lead in the 19th minute after Alex Baena was put through on goal by Nahuel Molina before calmly slotting passed the onrushing Joan Garcia.

Seven minutes later, Brazil winger Raphinha latched onto a defence splitting pass from Pedri before rounding Jan Oblak to score the equalizer for Barca.

The home side were then awarded a penalty less in the 36th minute following a VAR check for a foul on Dani Olmo; however, Robert Lewandowski skied his effort over the crossbar.

The Polish striker came close shortly afterwards, but his header was well saved by Oblak as the teams headed into half time at 1-1.

Barcelona came out firing in the second half, with Raphinha and Lewandowski both coming close to scoring before Dani Olmo gave them the lead in the 65th minute.

The home side would have to wait until the third minute of additional time to put the game to bed, with Ferran Torres showing composure in the box to put a neat finish past Oblak after an Alejandro Balde cross.

"We are coming back," said Barca head coach Hansi Flick to the media after the match.

"We improved a lot today. They started well, but we reacted. We didn't give up and that's what we want.

"We have another game on Saturday [Real Betis] and we have to show it again. We want to win all the games. I know it is not easy, but we'll try."

Meanwhile his counterpart Diego Simeone was satisfied with his teams performance despite the result.

"Although we didn't win, our team was good," said Simeone to reporters.

"We know the opponent has excellent foot skills and deploys many players inward to disrupt our central defenders. Today, that strategy worked perfectly for them.

“I am very calm and satisfied with what the team showed. This match will help us develop," added the Argentine.

The result sees Barcelona temporarily move four points ahead of second placed Real Madrid whilst Atleti sit in fourth, six points behind Barca at the top.

Doctor Khumalo hails Mudau, Mvala commitment to Bafana cause