This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi delivered a crucial boost to his team's La Liga title hopes with a late winner in a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, December 1, 2019.
At the Wanda Metropolitano, Messi scored his 12th goal of the season and sixth in his last five games, keeping Barcelona level on points with Real Madrid at the top of the table.
"In matches that are close and intense, having Leo is always a big advantage," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.
Atletico Madrid now sit six points adrift of both Real and Barca, with those two also having a game in hand which will be played out in the season's first Clasico at the Camp Nou on December 18.
Antoine Griezmann was whistled on his return to his former club, whom he left for 120 million euros ($132.3 million) to join Barcelona in the close season.
Barcelona were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men in the second half when Gerard Pique escaped a second yellow card for a late challenge on Alvaro Morata.
