Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: Score, Grades and Reaction from La Liga Fixture

Lionel Messi scored the only goal in Barcelona's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday, handing the Blaugrana the 2014-15 La Liga title with one matchday left to play.

The Argentina international found some space in the box in the second half and didn't hesitate, scoring a pivotal goal at a time when Atletico seemed more likely to score. Based on the entire match, however, the victory was well deserved, and by beating one of the toughest defensive units in all of Europe, Barcelona earned the La Liga title the hard way.

Bleacher Report UK shared what was at stake at the start of the match while noting the incredible similarities to last season's La Liga finish:

From the opening whistle, it became clear that neither team planned on holding back one bit. Both clubs were very physical in every duel and played with plenty of attacking intentions, leading to a wide-open, exciting match.

The first real chance fell to Atletico Madrid, and it was a big one. Claudio Bravo needed to produce a fantastic save to deny Jose Gimenez the opening goal, as Barcelona's official Twitter account shared:

Antoine Griezmann did the same just minutes later, although the flag had been raised for offside. Messi then nearly finished off a beautiful attacking move, but his shot was aimed straight at Jan Oblak.

The action was fast and furious, and the first bit of controversy arose after 20 minutes. Messi's header clearly made contact with Juanfran's arm, but the official remained unmoved. Journalist Ben Hayward thought it was the wrong decision:

The official wasn't done there. Minutes later, he booked Dani Alves for diving on the edge of the penalty box, even though replays suggested the Brazilian was pulled to the ground by his defender.

Despite booking Alves, the official awarded Barcelona a free-kick on the edge of the box, which Messi blasted onto the crossbar. Ladbrokes was as confused as everyone else:

Theatrics and cynical fouls started taking centre stage, and several players were booked before half-time. Barcelona had the better chances, however, and Oblak had to intervene to stop Alves from scoring a wonder goal from 30 yards out.

As Bleacher Report UK shared, Real Madrid and Espanyol were tied at 0-0 as well in Barcelona, meaning the Blaugrana were virtual champions:

Atletico were the better team early in the second half, and Diego Godin should have scored when he was left completely unmarked on a cross. His header cleared Bravo's goal, however.

The hosts' counterattacks were doing serious damage to the Catalans' defence, and things got worse for the Blaugrana, as the bench received word Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring for Los Blancos, per Football Espana:

But just as things started to look dire for the Catalans, their best player came through in a big way. Messi danced past several defenders before putting the ball past Oblak, virtually handing his club the title:

Neymar should have made it 2-0 just minutes later, but he somehow managed to put the ball over the goal in a one-on-one situation with Oblak. Diego Simeone responded by taking Arda Turan off the pitch and inserting Mario Mandzukic, throwing all of his men forward.

Espanyol had drawn level with Real in Barcelona, meanwhile, as Christian Stuani took advantage of a blunder from Keylor Navas, but Marcelo restored Los Blancos' lead with 10 minutes left on the clock.

None of that mattered as long as the Catalans held on to their lead, however, and Atletico could hardly muster any chances late. Barcelona comfortably played out the match, and despite a scare when Saul Niguez tested Bravo, the La Liga title never seemed in doubt.

With one matchday remaining in La Liga, the focus now shifts toward the race for the European spots. Real Madrid have nothing left to play for, while Barcelona still have the finals of the Copa del Rey and Champions League on the schedule.

Relevant Match Grades

Paul White/Associated Press

Lionel Messi: A

Messi was dangerous throughout the match, should have won his team a penalty in the first half and ultimately scored the goal that won Barcelona the La Liga title. Maybe it wasn't a vintage performance from the Argentinian star, but his greatness was evident when his team needed him most. 

Dani Alves: B

Alves may have lost some of his effectiveness with age, but he quietly had a fantastic match on Sunday. He was a big threat moving forward and performed admirably on the defensive end. If this Alves could show up every week, teams would be lining up to sign him during the summer. 

Jose Gimenez: B

Gimenez has been the breakout star of the season for the Atleti, and he showed why on Sunday. Godin wasn't at his very best against Barcelona's vaunted front three, but the young Uruguayan stepped up and ensured this match stayed close until the final whistle.

Post-Match Reaction

Manager Luis Enrique didn't go overly crazy with his celebrations, but as Barcastuff shared, he explained that's just not part of his personality:

"

Luis Enrique: "Didn't celebrate a lot? I was there, but I prefer more intimate, calm celebrations." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) May 17, 2015"

Sergio Busquets didn't doubt whatsoever that Barcelona deserved the title:

"

Busquets: "I think we were clearly the best team, we deserve this Liga. We should celebrate now." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) May 17, 2015"

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu is already looking forward to the final of the Copa del Rey and the club's meeting with Juventus for the UEFA Champions League:

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