Atletico Madrid took the lead early in the match. Forward Giuliano Simeone scored in the 39th minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. He controlled a long ball and fired past goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
However Barcelona responded right away. Forward Marcus Rashford equalized in the 42nd minute. He combined with Dani Olmo and shot low through the legs of goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Atletico Madrid then went down to 10 men. Midfielder Nico Gonzalez received a red card just before halftime after he fouled Lamine Yamal. The home side defended with 10 players throughout the second half.
Substitute Robert Lewandowski scored the winner for Barcelona. The striker bundled the ball home in the 87th minute after Juan Musso parried a shot from Joao Cancelo.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick watched his team dominate possession after the red card. The visitors pressed hard and created several chances before the final whistle.
The 2-1 victory moved Barcelona seven points clear at the top of La Liga. Real Madrid lost earlier on Saturday to Mallorca. As a result Barcelona moved significantly closer to retaining the title with eight games left. Atletico Madrid stayed in fourth place on 57 points.
