Barcelona resurgent after Atlético victory

Luis Suárez said FC Barcelona were "revitalised" after producing a sensational display to see off title rivals Club Atlético de Madrid at the Camp Nou.

Suárez added to Neymar's 12th-minute opening goal to give Barcelona a two-goal cushion after a stirring first-half performance. Champions Atlético got themselves back into the game through Mario Mandžukić's penalty, only for Lionel Messi to seal the victory for the hosts with a late goal.

Barcelona's hopes of reclaiming the league title from Atlético were dented by a surprise 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad de Fútbol last Sunday, but Luis Enrique's side responded to their critics with a dominant and intense performance.

Victory was even sweeter for Barça as they had failed to beat Atlético in six meetings last season, Diego Simeone's resilient side pipping the Catalans to the league title and knocking them out of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

"This triumph has a special meaning for us," Suárez said. "Atlético are a direct rival for the league title, and right now the team's self esteem is very good. This victory has revitalised us, especially because it has come against Atlético."

Luis Enrique was proud, meanwhile, that his side had "given a complete performance, and against one of the most difficult teams around". As well as marvelling at Barcelona's attacking flair, the coach praised his players' efforts in closing down their opponents.

Neymar made the breakthrough©AFP/Getty Images

"We all pressed well today," he said. "We aren't an easy team for our opponents. We played the game at a very high tempo and when you do that you always have a good chance of winning. When you press well you always create chances and Atlético struggled to handle our transitions."

Opposite number Simeone, meanwhile, lamented Atlético's sluggish start, saying: "Our first half-performance was poor – Barcelona were better and we couldn't get the ball or space, apart from in the first couple of minutes. We were more competitive in the second half. We got a goal back and were close to getting an equaliser until they got the third. In the second half we played more like the team people see in every game."

Barcelona are now three points clear of Atlético in second place, and one point behind league leaders Real Madrid CF, who beat RCD Espanyol on Saturday and have a game in hand on their eternal rivals. Luis Enrique was careful about calling Barcelona's latest victory a turning point in the title race. "It means we have three more points – that's all," he said.