Atletico Madrid 0-1 Barcelona: Messi magic snatches three points at the Wanda

Lionel Messi was once again the difference as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano in the pouring rain on Sunday to move back to the top of La Liga. 

Messi scored his ninth league goal of the season in the 86th minute to earn Barca the three points in the Spanish capital. 

However, Ernesto Valverde's side were also grateful to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who made two stunning first-half saves when Atletico were on top. 

Antoine Griezmann, on his return to Atletico, was the focus pre-game. He started in the absence of the injured Ousmane Dembele, while Ivan Rakitic filled in for the suspended Sergio Busquets. 

The home side started stronger. They hit the post early on when Junior Firpo deflected Mario Hermoso's cross towards his own goal and then Ter Stegen stepped up. 

The German goalkeeper made a stunning stop with his feet from Hermoso and then used his hands to save a header from Alvaro Morata. 

Barça eventually came into the game and hit the bar through a Gerard Pique header just before the break, 

The Blaugrana were much better after the break but Atletico still had their chances. Sergi Roberto, who did well at right-back, cleared off the line. 

Pique was lucky to avoid a second booking for a late challenge on Morata but was then forced off anyway with a knee injury. 

As the game drifted towards a draw, there was only one man who could win it: Messi. The Argentine cut in from the left and rolled it to Luis Suarez, who returned the ball to his teammate to fire home. 

The win takes Barca back ahead of Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico trail the two by six points -- and they have played a game more.