As is so often the case, Lionel Messi has different ideas from everyone else.
Barcelona looked committed to running their title race aground against Atletico Madrid and with five minutes to go, they seemed set to throw away two more points.
With four to go, they were top by two points — and in between, Messi had his say. They were, however, only top of La Liga for a matter of hours before Real Madrid returned to the summit with a victory over Villarreal.
Lionel Messi's 20th goal of the season gave Barcelona victory in a match Atletico Madrid had controlled for long periods
Barcelona celebrate Messi's winner which kept the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid
Messi turned home a rebound to give Barcelona all three points at the Vicente Calderon after working space in the box
Messi stabbed home his 20th goal of the season to hand Barcelona a victory they can consider themselves very fortunate indeed to walk away with.
Atletico were in charge for large periods, although it was the visitors who opened the scoring.
Barcelona used to be known for their tiki-taka but when Rafinha broke the deadlock in the 64th minute it was more like pinball, the ball bouncing around wildly inside the box before the Brazilian stabbed home from close range.
The lead didn't last long, though, with Diego Godin heading home Koke's free-kick just six minutes later to restore parity.
It was Godin who denied Barcelona the title on the last day of the 2013-14 season and before Messi's late intervention it seemed he would do them severe damage once again.
Luis Enrique had again refused to pick the midfield that led Barcelona to a treble then a double, with Rafinha starting ahead of Ivan Rakitic, who has lost his indispensable status this season.
He also opted for Jeremy Mathieu over Jordi Alba at left-back, adding both height and strength but losing pace and a valuable attacking outlet down that flank.
Diego Godin headed home Koke's free-kick to bring Atletico level with 20 minutes to play at the Vicente Calderon
Godin's goal, his second in 32 appearances this season, looked to have secured a share of the spoils for the home side
Rafinha (right) put Barcelona ahead at the Vicente Calderon, turning home after Luis Suarez's shot ricocheted into his path
Barcelona's celebrations were short-lived, however, as Diego Godin hauled Atletico level with 20 minutes left to play
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