5 Talking Points: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona

Defending league champions Barcelona continued their perfect start to the season as they prevailed 2-1 over Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon, extending their winning streak over Rojiblancos to five games on the bounce.Despite being plagued with injury concerns and the upholding of ban on Pique, the visitors appeared the stronger side right from the off and restrained the home team into their own half for much of the game. However, contrastingly, it was el Atleti that went ahead first for all the scant ball possession they had, as Fernando Torres struck a right-footed shot that hit the bar before tumbling into the back of the net.Vincente Calderon erupted in euphoria as a victory seemed achievable, only for all the berserk to diminish within three minutes as Neymar restored parity with a well-taken free-kick. Lionel Messi, who was gifted with a son earlier this week, came from the bench to score the winner as the Argentine dunked the ball over Oblak into the far right.Barcelona snatched away a vital win from a place which is considered a fortress of sorts, and maintained a 100% win record in the opening three games.Here are the five talking points from the entertaining clash in the Spanish capital.

#1 Messi is the difference maker, again

No matter whether he plays full 90 minutes or comes off the bench, Lionel Messi seldom fails to influence a game. It was his strike in the dying embers against Atleti at Calderon that sealed the league title for Barcelona last term and now, at the same venue, proved to be the difference yet again as his neat left-footed chip secured all the three points for the Blaugrana.

Having missed a training session yesterday on account of the birth of his second son, Messi was left on the bench in favour of Rafinha. It was only a matter of time for him to step into the field and once he did, turned the tide completely.

Upon his arrival, the visitors threatened more, coming closer and closer to finding the winner. Messi, in particular, managed to trouble the Atleti backline with his nimble footwork and swift movements, and almost got the winner when his shot was only parried away by Koke, just inches before the goal-line. However, the 28-year old made up for the miss when he pounced onto a loose ball by Suarez, dinking it over the on-rushing Oblak to seal the tie.

He even had a chance to extend the lead through a free-kick, had it not been for him smashing it into row Z. Nonetheless, Messi came (from the bench), saw and conquered.

#2 Sergi Roberto an unlikely alternative

La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto emerged through the ranks of the famed academy as a midfield talent. The 21-year old was supposed to be an able back-up option in the centre of the park, but where we are seeing him actually operate with the senior team, is at the right-back position. A position he was previously and unknown quantity to.

Although it was an emergency decision by the manager during the pre-season and in the absence of Dani Alves, Roberto, rather, has ended up thriving in that role, leaving Lucho in two minds now.

Even against Atleti, like he has this all season, started at the right-hand side of the wing-back position and produced another scintillating display. Roberto’s energetic runs and exemplary work-rate made him one of the better on the field in this outing and despite being at the receiving end of some sly attacks by the home side, the fullback maintained his composure and dispatched himself with great aplomb.

Although Alves’ return from injury should see Roberto relegated to the bench immediately, but come January, and summer recruit Aleix Vidal must return to the fold thereby diminishing Roberto’s first-team chances even more. But however, if he continues to perform in the same vein, Roberto is sure to attract many suitors in the future.

#3 Injury strikes again for Vermaelen

A saviour on matchday 2 against Malaga with a sumptuous volley, it was going well for Thomas Vermaelen here in Madrid, until injuries reared it’s ugly head over the luckless Belgian right in the first half.

Having spent the entirety of last season on the treatment table, it comes as a real wretch for the player who was beginning to integrate with the squad. In his attempt to thwart an Atletico corner, Vermaelen, after the set-piece was taken, signalled to the bench for a change and straight-away hobbled down the tunnel, with his face clearly reeking annoyance. Understandably, though.

Reports later on suggested that the former Arsenal skipper has sustained a calf injury in his left leg and the extent of his absence is yet to be ascertained. Irrespective of the span, the injury comes at a time when Barcelona are already plagued with several issues at the back and now with a trip to Rome for the Champions League opener on the horizon, their defensive glitches have run deeper.

All that manager Enrique now left with with is Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu in that role, and any further such concerns would leave him with no back-up at all.

#4 Jackson\'s loss is Fernando\'s gain

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres was one of the better players going forward and gave plenty reasons for the fans to be happy to have him. The Spaniard, currently on a loan with Rojiblancos, mustered 6 shots at goal, the most by any host team players and it was him who clinically prodded the ball past Ter Stegen to put the home side ahead.

For the 61 minutes that the Spain hitman spent on the field, he exuded great confidence in his duties and never missed an opportunity to harrow the visitors’ defence. He instilled fears in the heart of the Catalans whenever he charged towards goal and was subbed off to a deserved standing ovation from the home crowd and in came Jackson Martinez.

The new signing opened his account in Spanish La Liga before the international break when he struck one of the three goals against Sevilla in an away match. But the goal wasn’t enough to foil the struggles the Colombian has been facing.

Against the Azulgrana, Martinez failed to create any sort of impact in the final third and for all his efforts, had just one attempt at goal to show, moreover the strike was feeble and easily thwarted by Ter Stegen.

It isn’t going as per the plan for him and must start delivering on a more regular basis or see himself playing second-fiddle to the Spaniard.

#5 Enrique deserves applause

Barcelona gaffer Luis Enrique managed to raise a few eye-brows when he showed the temerity in opting to bench Messi due to lack of practise prior to the game. The ploy would have back-fired him as his side were up against one of the top three contenders for the title, but the squad he chose showed no signs of Messi’s absence and held the home side for the best part of 52 minutes.

Even as the hosts went ahead soon after, the Andalusian maintained his cool and saw Neymar restore parity with an emphatic free-kick. Then at the hour mark, he did bring on Messi subbing off Rakitic, allowing Rafinha to move back to the midfield. It was a coup de maitre by the former Roma head-honcho as Barca maintained pressure on the home side, with Messi sealing the tie with a sublime chip.

His tactical acumen will be further put to test when he leads his current side against his former side in Rome on Wednesday, given the limited resources available at his disposal.