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Result: Barcelona storm past Atletico Madrid

Barcelona close the gap on Real Madrid as goals from Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi condemn Atletico Madrid to a 3-1 defeat at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona have closed the gap on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga to one point by beating Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Camp Nou.

The hosts dominated from the first whistle, and they were ahead in just the 12th minute when Neymar slotted home from close range after Luis Suarez had failed to convert Lionel Messi's cross.

Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior celebrates his goal during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Club Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on January 11, 2015© Getty Images

Miguel Angel Moya was forced into a good save to keep out a powerful strike from Jordi Alba, but he could only watch on in hope when Neymar headed a great chance wide from Suarez's cross midway through the first half.

Messi took centre stage again to create Barcelona's second goal 10 minutes before the break as the Argentine took the ball into the box to find Suarez, who calmly finished to double his side's lead.

Despite offering very little to suggest that a comeback was a possibility, Atletico were given hope 12 minutes into the second half when Jesus Gamez won a penalty by going down after feeling a touch from Messi in the box.

Barcelona's players furiously protested the decision, but the referee ignored their claims as Mario Mandzukic drilled home the penalty.

The hosts looked less comfortable in possession with a slender lead, despite being given very little to be worried about by Atletico, who struggled to keep the pressure on after reducing the deficit.

Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique celebrates after a goal during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Club Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on January 11, 2015© Getty Images

A breakaway led by Mandzukic almost created the equaliser with 15 minutes remaining, but Claudio Bravo sprinted off his line to collect before substitute Fernando Torres could add the finishing touch.

Luis Enrique's side secured the victory in the 87th minute when Messi picked out the bottom corner at the second time of asking after missing Ivan Rakitic's cross at the first attempt.

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Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos vies with Atletico Madrid's forward Fernando Torres during the Spanish Copa del Rey round of 16 first leg football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Real Madrid CF at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on January 7,
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CAtletico MadridAtletico38268467254286
2Real Madrid38259467283984
3Barcelona38247785384779
4Sevilla38245953332077
5Real Sociedad3817111059382162
6Real Betis381710115050061
7Villarreal3815131060441658
8Celta Vigo381411135557-253
9Granada38137184765-1846
10Athletic Bilbao381113144642446
11Osasuna381111163748-1144
12CadizCadiz381111163658-2244
13Valencia381013155053-343
14Levante38914154657-1141
15Getafe38911182843-1538
16AlavesAlaves38911183657-2138
17ElcheElche38812183455-2136
RHuesca38713183453-1934
RReal Valladolid38516173457-2331
REibarEibar38612202952-2330

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