Atletico condemn Barcelona to first defeat

BARCELONA slumped to their first Primera Division defeat of the season last night, going down 2-1 at Atletico Madrid.

Pep Guardiola’s men were second best for long periods against an Atletico side who established a 2-0 lead inside 23 minutes thanks to a clinical Diego Forlan strike and a wonderful free-kick from Simao Sabrosa.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic halved the deficit within four minutes but Atletico deservedly held on to secure an impressive win and do city rivals Real Madrid a huge favour in the title race.