Off to Spain now and a big game as the last two winners of the domestic league would battle as Barcelona hosted Atletico Madrid. The visitors eliminated the Catalans from last year's Champions League, denying them a chance to win the European crown twice. So, Barca and Lionel Messi would be well up for this contest, but the 5-time player of the year would not be a factor -- and would have to leave the pitch, with an injury.

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi (L) vies the ball with Atletico Madrid's Feliipe Luis during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sept. 21, 2016. The match ended in a draw 1-1. [Xinhua]?

Ivan Rakitic would give the hosts the lead, connecting on a cross right before the half.

Messi would then get tangled up fighting to keep possesion -- and then be substituted as he limped off with an apparrent groin injury. Early reports say he will be lost for three weeks.

Atletico would equalize moments later as Angel Correa scores moments after coming on as a sub and the game ends in a 1-1 draw.

Los Blancos see 16-game win streak end with draw

Real Madrid were looking to keep their perfect start in tact, but give up a penalty in the 44th minute to Villarreal as Sergio Ramos handles in the area.

Bruno Soriana gives the visitors the lead from the spot. But Ramos makes amends heading home a cross to make it 1-1. No more scoring, so Zinedine Zidane's 16-game win streak is over.

In other matches, Celta Vigo edged past Sporting Gijon. Atletico Bilbao grabbed a 2-1 road win over Granada. While Real Sociedad continued their strong start to the campaign rolling past Las Palmas 4-1.

So this is how the table looks, Real Madrid are on top with 13 points from their five matches, followed by surprising Sevilla, with 11 points. Then Barca, followed by a quartet on 9 points.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)