In a surprising result, Atletico Madrid lived up to their reputation and Barcelona's leader-less team ended the Spanish champions' 14-match winning run in the league. The Madrid club got a categoric 3-1 victory at the Nou Camp.The goals were scored by spanish striker Fernando Torres twice and Maxi Rodriguez.
Among the main stars Barcelona missed in their squad were Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o. With the defeat, Barca failed to reach the record number of 15 straight league wins set by Real Madrid in the 1960-61 season.
"This wasn't our day. We were below par," Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard said afterwards.
"We must react and rediscover the form we've shown up to now."
Indeed, Atletico captain Torres shot home in the 33rd minute after a cross by midfielder Ariel Ibagaza led to a mix-up between "blaugranas" defenders Oleguer Presas and Gabri.
In the end, Martin Petrov created the visitors' second goal in the 47th minute.
