Lionel Messi struck late for Barcelona as Antoine Griezmann's return to Atletico Madrid ended in a dramatic 1-0 victory.

Griezmann's first game in Madrid since leaving Atletico for Barcelona dominated proceedings going into the match, but it was Messi who stole the headlines on the eve of the Ballon d'Or announcement.

A couple of inspired Marc-Andre ter Stegen saves initially kept Atletico at bay, with Messi then stroking home in the 86th minute to hand Barcelona all three points.

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Victory sends Barcelona top of La Liga ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico Madrid slip to sixth after Athletic Bilbao's win earlier on Sunday.

Atletico dominated the first half but Ter Stegen ensured it remained 0-0 at the break.

After Mario Hermoso's cross was deflected onto the post, the defender was denied by a spectacular point-blank save from Ter Stegen, who also produced an incredible reflex stop to keep out Alvaro Morata's header.

The closest Barcelona went to an opener in the first half was when Gerard Pique's header bounced onto the top of the bar.

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Player ratings

Atletico Madrid: Oblak (6), Trippier (7), Felipe (6), Hermoso (7), Saul (6), Correa (6), Herrera (7), Thomas (6), Koke (7), Joao Felix (5), Morata (6)

Subs: Vitolo (6), Lemar (6), Lodi (N/A)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen (8), S. Roberto (7), Lenglet (7), Pique (6), Junior (6), Rakitic (6), Arthur (6), De Jong (7), Griezmann (6), Messi (7), Suarez (6)

Subs: Vidal (6), Umtiti (N/A)

Man of the match: Ter Stegen

Source: skysports.com