Lionel Messi injured in Barcelona's draw with Atletico Madrid
Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in their La Liga game at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi hobbled off injured for the hosts, and now faces three weeks out on the sidelines, after suffering a groin strain.
Lionel Messi was forced off in the 59th minutes after a Diego Godin tackle, and is now a doubt for his side’s Champions League fixture against Manchester City on October 19. Sergio Busquets also went off injured for the hosts in the second half. These injuries allowed Atletico to take control of the game, and they got their reward when Angel Correa scored the equaliser.
Barcelona had earlier taken the lead through Ivan Rakitic in the first half. The Croatian midfielder headed home four minutes before half time, after his run was picked out perfectly by Andres Iniesta.
Diego Simeone’s side must have felt unlucky being a goal down, going into half-time, as they had matched Barcelona in almost every department in the first half.
Simeone brought on Angel Correa and Fernando Torres in the second half, and they were responsible for Atletico’s equaliser.
Torres provided the assist with a lovely flick to find Correa, who took advantage of Javier Mascherano’s slip to give Atletico the goal they deserved. The goal came just moments after Messi was brought off.
Both teams had chances to win the game. Gerard Pique headed wide for the hosts from a free-kick. While Diego Godin came close for the visitors. There were no more goals however, as the teams had to settle for a draw.
A point means Barcelona remain 3rd, 3 points off Real Madrid, who were earlier held to a 1-1 draw by Villarreal. Atletico are a point further behind, and occupy the 4th spot on the table.
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