Audio By Carbonatix
Lionel Messi was forced off at half-time with a hamstring injury as Barcelona drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.
Messi, who scored two goals in the 7-0 rout of Levante last week, did not emerge after the break and was replaced by Cecsc Fabregas in a game which saw goals for both clubs' big summer signings.
David Villa put the hosts ahead on 12 minutes with a wonderful volley from Arda Turan's cross and the former Barcelona man almost made it two soon after only for Gerard Pique to block his effort.
That allowed Neymar, on as a second-half substitute, to score his first Barcelona goal, meeting Dani Alves' hanging cross at the back post with a smart header on 66 minutes.
Both keepers made smart saves in a stretched end to the game to ensure neither side will take an advantage into next Wednesday's second leg at the Nou Camp.
On Messi's injury, Barca boss Gerardo Martino said: "He picked up a knock and when a player has an injury or a knock which impedes them from playing it does not make much sense for them to stay on the pitch."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
How ICACE empowers private sector to integrate climate action and ESG for resilient growth
3 minutes -
Abu Trica re-arrested after High Court strikes out certiorari application
18 minutes -
France debates under-15s social media ban endorsed by Macron
25 minutes -
Be ready to beat us; no more rushed bills under certificate of urgency – Minority warns Majority
29 minutes -
Police intercepts vehicle in drug bust on Accra-Aflao Road
37 minutes -
UNEP Report: World spends 30 times more on destroying nature than protecting it
39 minutes -
Who benefits, How to apply, and When: Inside Ghana’s Sports Fund
49 minutes -
Building careers through Obuasi Mine’s 10-year SEDP: From Binsere apprentice to renowned entrepreneur
52 minutes -
UENR trains researchers to study climate change through tree rings
57 minutes -
Sigma Appliances rewards dealers with GH¢1.0m in rebates through platinum partner programme
59 minutes -
Minority questions Chief Justice’s institutional visits, labels them ‘Thank-You Tour’
1 hour -
NDC silent on Anti-LGBT law they championed in opposition—Afenyo Markin
1 hour -
First batch of Ghana Labour exchange beneficiaries departs for Antigua , Barbuda
1 hour -
GoldBoD $214m loss amounts to causing financial loss to the state – Afenyo-Markin
1 hour -
Deloitte predicts 5.9% growth rate for Ghana in 2026
1 hour
