Barcelona suffer first league defeat

Barcelona suffered their first league defeat of the season on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid to blow the title race wide open.

Atletico’s Jose Antonio Reyes dribbled past two men before sending a long pass through for Diego Forlan, who shot first time past Victor Valdes in the 10th minute.

Simao Sabrosa scored Atletico’s second when he curled a freekick into the right-hand corner of the net in the 23rd minute, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic volleyed in unmarked at the far post from a Barcelona corner just four minutes later.

Barcelona remain top, on 55 points from 22 matches, but Real Madrid, who beat Xerez 3-0 on Saturday, are only two points behind.

With several first-choice defenders unavailable due to suspension and injuries, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola played Jeffren Suarez and Maxwell as full backs with Gabriel Milito and Carles Puyol in central defense.

Atletico went into the game at its Calderon Stadium on the back of having reached the Copa del Rey final in midweek.

In a frenetic game, Barcelona tested the Atletico defense in the opening minute, Lionel Messi looping a ball through for Ibrahimovic which goalkeeper David de Gea only just managed to control.

Midfielder Seydou Keita suffered a muscle strain almost immediately and Pedro Rodriguez replaced him in the eighth minute.

Barcelona enjoyed more of the possession, although they rarely settled into their quick passing game due to Atletico’s pressure. The hosts looked dangerous on the break, with Sergio Aguero outstanding alongside Forlan in attack.

Aguero looked certain to score when he was put through in the 18th minute although he chose to pass to Forlan instead and Puyol intercepted. Aguero had another chance when he forced a save from Valdes with an effort from inside the area that rebounded off Ibrahimovic. He then had a shot saved again after being sent through by Tomas Ujfalusi.

Ibrahimovic tested De Gea moments later, drawing a save after jigging past his marker and shooting low.

Aguero continued to torment Barcelona throughout the second half and Puyol had to make a last ditch tackle on him as the striker charged into the penalty area.

With the clock ticking down, Messi shot wide and his team’s hopes of an equalizer vanished.

Earlier on Sunday, Luis Fabiano scored the winner as Sevilla beat Osasuna 1-0.

In the 35th minute Diego Capel raced down the left wing, cut inside and crossed for the Brazilian to score with a powerful low header.

Sevilla have 39 points and replace Mallorca in fourth position.

Jose Maria Callejon scored one goal and set up another as Espanyol beat 10-man Deportivo La Coruna 2-0.

In the 39th, Callejon dribbled down the right and crossed for Joan Verdu to tap in at the near post.

Callejon then made some space at the edge of the area on the hour mark and fired home.

Malaga beat Racing Santander 3-0 with goals from Weligton, Salvador Caicedo and Victor Obinna.

Almeria’s Fernando Soriano scored an injury-time goal to earn a 2-2 draw with Getafe and Valladolid drew 1-1 with Zaragoza.