A superb freekick from Lionel Messi has earned Barcelona a win over Atletico Madrid.
The crucial win earns Barcelona an 8-point advantage over Atletico with 11 games left to play.
The free-kick goal came after a Thomas foul 25 metres from goal, with the diminutive Argentine curling the ball into the top right corner to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
Atletico had come into the game with their usual physical football, with Andres Iniesta and Messi being fouled several times.
However, the Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde had fielded a full-strength lineup that succeeded in keeping possession for extended periods, leaving Atletico frustrated.
Diego Simeone’s side thought they had managed to secure an equaliser after Kevin Gameiro fired in a close-range shot off a Diego Costa header.
Atletico’s hope was however dashed when the referee ruled Costa offside.