Injured Messi out for fortnight

Sep 21, 2010 |

Madrid, Sept. 20: Champions Barcelona got their title bid back on track with a 2-1 win over bogey side Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday to stay within three points of league leaders Valencia.

Barcelona, humiliated 0-2 by Hercules in their last league outing, had lost their last two trips to the Calderon but first-half goals from Argentine Lionel Messi and Spain World Cup star Gerard Pique inflicted a first defeat of the season on Atletico.

It was Barca coach Pep Guardiola’s first win at Atletico, who had a maximum six points before kick-off and his side climbed to fifth a point behind Real Madrid and three points off Valencia.

His joy, however, was tempered by seeing Messi stretchered off in the final minute after having his ankle kicked by Czech defender Tomasz Ujfalusi, who was sent off for the tackle. Messi is expected to be out for a fortnight after doctors confirmed ligament damage to his right ankle.

Earlier, Valencia replaced Real Madrid at the top of La Liga winning 2-1 at promoted Hercules to make it a perfect nine-point start to the season. Valencia lie two points ahead of Real and Sevilla who came from behind to win 2-1 at Malaga on Sunday thanks to goals from Alejandro Alfaro and Martin Caceres.

It was Atletico’s second defeat in a week following their 1-0 Europa League loss to Aris Salonica, however they stay third in the league above Barcelona on goal difference.

Barcelona were on a high after their 5-1 thrashing of Panathinaikos in the Champions League and had a full strength team with eight Spanish World Cup winners in the starting XI. Atletico received a boost with forward Sergio “Kun” Aguero shrugging off a knock to start.

Barca took the lead on 13 minutes when Messi flicked the ball into the corner of the net with the outside of his boot after being fed by Pedro Rodriguez.

Atletico responded quickly and were level in the 25th minute when Raul Garcia headed in a Simao corner after goalkeeper Victor Valdes had mis-timed his punch.

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