Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez struck for Barcelona in their 2-1 win over nine-man Atletico Madrid.

Atletico got off to a fine start at the Nou Camp as Koke gave them the lead after just 10 minutes but Messi and Suarez each struck in the space of eight minutes to turn the game around before the break.

The balance of the table-top showdown then further tipped in Barca's favour when Atletico defenders Filipe Luis and Diego Godin were sent off, and a frustrating afternoon for Diego Simeone's side was later compounded as Augusto Fernandez was stretchered off with a suspected knee injury.

The result sees the Catalan side move three points above their nearest challengers at the top of the table thanks to their fifth straight win over Atletico, and Luis Enrique's men still boast a game in hand.

"We had a good 15 minutes, closing Atletico in their area and creating chances," coach Luis Enrique said in reference to the second part of the first half.

"In the second half the objective was to finish them off because we know how difficult they are to play even with 10 and nine men.

"The game was open but I remember the game the team played. It looks like we played badly, but that's not true."