Head coach Luis Enrique was widely criticised for his team selection in last weekend's dispiriting 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad and a 5-0 midweek thrashing of Elche in the Copa del Rey did not prevent him from entering Sunday night's pivotal Camp Nou encounter under heavy scrutiny.
A rumoured rift between Luis Enrique and Lionel Messi dominated the pre-match build-up, but Barcelona's star man produced a majestic and tenacious display, laying on goals for attacking colleagues Neymar and Luis Suarez to ensure the hosts led 2-0 10 minutes before half-time.
Messi blotted his copybook by conceding a 57th-minute penalty that Mario Mandzukic converted to hand Atletico a lifeline, although Diego Simeone's men could not follow Wednesday night's stirring 2-0 cup win over city rivals Real Madrid with another memorable success on the ground where they famously secured the Liga crown on the final day of last season.
It was Messi who fittingly had the final word, ending a run of seven goalless matches against Atletico three minutes from time and closing Barca to within two points of leaders Real having played a game more
Atletico are three points further back in third after a match where their enterprising start quickly unravelled into a torrid opening half.
Suarez failed to control his team-mate's low cross with his thigh but Juanfran's missed clearance left Neymar with a far-post finish.
On his return to the field, Neymar passed up a glorious 23rd-minute chance to double his tally with a back-post header after Messi sent Suarez scampering away down the right.
Any ill-feeling from Simeone's men towards the official was partially undone 11 minutes into the second half when, in an unlikely role reversal, Messi clipped Gamez's ankle in the area and Mandzukic blasted the resulting penalty - and his team's first shot on target - high into the centre of the goal.
Atletico turned up the heat during the closing stages, when tempers threatened to boil over on both sides, but they were unable to fully wrestle control from Barcelona.
