Barcelona 2-0 Atletico Madrid: 5 Men who won the game for Barcelona

#1 Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga

The Argentine was among the thick of things right from the start. Atletico put a lot of attention on Messi, yet it was not enough to stop him. The Barcelona skipper regularly took up balls at the edge of the box and unleashed brilliant balls for Suarez and Coutinho. Unfortunately for him, both of his attacking partners had an off day on the field.

Messi’s awareness of his team mate’s runs was also evident in the first half, when he was alert to Alba’s brilliant late run into the box. The Argentinean found his left back with a gorgeous ball that fooled the entire Atletico defence and put him through on goal. However, Alba could only hit the upright with Oblak beaten.

After the break, Messi continued to be inspirational, opened up the defence for his offensive partners to score, but it wasn’t happening. He tore the opposition defence apart, but met with a defiant Oblak in goal. However, the Argentinean kept trying and after Suarez scored the opening goal, Messi joined the party too.

The Argentinean took the ball in the middle of the opposition box in the 86th minute and ran into the box. Once he was in, Messi was crowded out, but the Barcelona Skipper unfurled a cheeky finish and sealed the game.