Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid: Score, Grades, Reaction from Liga Game

Lionel Messi and Barcelona put a week of turmoil behind them with a confident 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday at the Camp Nou.

Over the last seven days, Barca sacked director of football Andoni Zubizaretta, and his assistant, Carles Puyol, resigned his position. Team president Josep Maria Bartomeu then brought forward club elections to ease the tensions around the Catalan giants.

Coupled with that, Spanish newspaper Marca reported Messi and head coach Luis Enrique had been involved in a training-ground row.

But there were no signs of discontent as Messi inspired goals from Neymar and Luis Suarez to put Atletico to the sword in the first half.

However, he almost became the villain in the 57th minute. He was adjudged to have fouled Jesus Gamez inside the area, leading to Mario Mandzukic slamming home the spot-kick and giving Atletico a lifeline.

But the Argentina international ensured Barcelona would move to within a point of leaders Real Madrid when he slotted home three minutes before the end.

Messi was a lively presence in the opening stages of the game, seeing much of the ball, but he should have done better in the 10th minute than lashing wide after being played into the area by Neymar.

Two minutes later, though, Messi linked up with his two strike partners to open the scoring.

Dani Alves exchanged passes with Messi to afford him space in the area to cross. Suarez cushioned the ball to Neymar, who slid home for Barcelona after Juanfran slipped in front of him.

"

Wow, pure effort from Messi and Suarez to set up that goal for Neymar. Really ugly, but effective.

— Kevin McCauley (@kevinmccauley) January 11, 2015"

Within a minute, Atletico were fortunate not to go two down when Miguel Angel Moya spilled the ball, but he recovered in time to prevent Suarez from taking advantage.

Neymar needed treatment in the 18th minute after a collision with Jose Gimenez and was carried from the field, but he quickly returned to the action.

Gamez was cautioned for a foul on Messi in the 21st minute, but the subsequent free-kick was cleared.

Neymar wasted a gilt-edged opportunity midway through the first period when he headed wide after a chipped cross from Suarez.

Atletico had been pinned back in their own half for almost all of the opening half-hour of the game, but Barcelona needed another goal for breathing space.

Neymar almost delivered that after his surging run set up Messi, but the Argentinian fired into the side-netting.

Atletico striker Mario Mandzukic was cautioned in the 34th minute after a challenge on Sergio Busquets.

Barcelona deserved another goal, but their second might not have been the most legal scored at the Camp Nou this season. Messi appeared to control a Busquets pass with his arm, but he continued to run on goal before laying the ball off to Suarez, who slotted home.

Atletico opened the second period with their best chance of the game, but Diego Godin's header was just over Claudio Bravo's crossbar before Juanfran was booked for a needless foul on Neymar.

In the 56th minute, though, Atletico were awarded a penalty when Messi was adjudged to have tripped Jesus Gamez. Mandzukic stepped up to blast the spot-kick through the middle of Bravo's goal.

Moments later, Barcelona were calling for a penalty after a challenge on Ivan Rakitic by Gimenez, but the referee dismissed the calls and booked Suarez for his more-vociferous comments.

In the 68th minute, Atletico made a switch with Fernando Torres coming on for Gabi.

Barcelona appeared to be playing deeper in the second period, which had allowed the Liga champions to find their feet.

Antoine Griezmann had endured a disappointing game for Atletico, and Diego Simeone withdrew him for Raul Garcia in the 72nd minute.

Jordi Alba needed to be alert to clear a Torres cross in the 80th minute with Mandzukic loitering, before Messi was cautioned for a high challenge on Moya.

Garcia was fortunate to escape a red card for pushing Neymar over late on, but the Brazilian fell too easily.

In the 87th minute, Messi sealed the points for Barcelona. Suarez found the South American on the edge of the box before exchanging passes with Rakitic on his right. The chance appeared to be gone when Garcia cut out the ball but he inadvertently played it into Messi's path for a simple goal.

Selected Player Ratings

Lionel Messi: A+

If Messi has fallen out with head coach Luis Enrique, it didn't show. The Argentina international chased every ball from the start and played an integral part as Barcelona roared through the first period.

He was involved in an unusual display in the second half as he conceded a penalty for the first time in his career before receiving a caution for a foul on Atletico goalkeeper Moya. His late goal sealed the points for Barca.

Mario Mandzukic: B

Striker suffered from a lack of service throughout the opening 45 minutes as Atletico were required to defend in numbers. His greatest contribution to the first half was a yellow card for a foul on Busquets. He was more in the game after the break and took the spot-kick well.

Luis Suarez: A

The former Liverpool forward looks to be finally finding his feet at the Camp Nou, and proved he is beginning to gel with Messi and Neymar.

What's Ahead

Barcelona face Elche in the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie after claiming a 5-0 lead from the first match.

Atletico are also in action in the Copa del Rey on the same night when they line up at neighbours Real Madrid in defence of their 2-0 lead.

Post-Match Reaction

"

Neymar: "Good game of the whole team, everyone played well. I'm very happy." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) January 11, 2015"