MADRID, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- An injury hit FC Barcelona suffered its first defeat of the season, losing 2-1 away to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Goals from Diego Forlan and Simao put Atletico 2-0 ahead and although Zlatan Ibrahimovich gave Barcelona hope before half time, Atletico could have won by more goals.
Barcelona went into the game with six defenders missing through injury and suspension and with young winger Jeffren acting as an emergency right back.
Things got even worse after just two minutes when midfielder Seydou Keita was forced out of the game with a hamstring injury.
Atletico took the lead after nine minutes with Diego Forlan showing his improved form.
The Uruguayan collected a pass from Jose Antonio Reyes and beat Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes with a low shot.
Kun Aguero missed a similar chance after 18 minutes, but four minutes later Simao added a second.
The former Barcelona player beat a poorly positioned Valdes with a free kick after Carles Puyol had fouled Aguero.
It was turning into a thrilling affair and it was not long before Barcelona was back in the game. Poor marking from a corner allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovich to score from close range. It was the Swede's first goal of 2010.
After qualifying for the final of the Copa del Rey during the week Atletico was full of confidence, while Barcelona remained true to its philosophy of playing good football.
However, playing in front of a packed Vicente Calderon Stadium, Atletico Madrid looked the better side in the second half and created more chances.
Aguero could have scored after leaving Puyol in his wake, while defender Ujfalusi also saw a chance blocked after controlling a cross into the Barcelona area.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola threw young striker Bojan into the action and Leo Messi almost scored a late equalizer in the last minute, but Atletico held on for a well deserved win, which means that neighbors Real Madrid are now just two points behind Barca at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga table.