Real Madrid and Barcelona's stuttering starts to the season could continue, while AC Milan's unbeaten record in Serie A is in danger and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is aiming to continue his astonishing record.

AFP Sport previews the standout football action on the continent this weekend:

<h2>- German accent to French showdown -</h2>

Monaco v Paris Saint-Germain, Friday 2000 GMT

PSG are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and chasing a ninth straight win when they face Monaco, the only other club to have won the title in the past eight seasons.

Paris have won 4-1 and 4-0 on their last two visits to the principality but they might find things harder this time, not least because coach Thomas Tuchel is without a host of injured players, while Neymar is a doubt.

The game has a German accent to it, with Monaco looking to return to the upper echelons of the French game under new Croatian coach Niko Kovac, who was born and raised in Germany.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel has been full of praise ahead of the game for Kovac, who he came up against when the latter was at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kovac is looking to relaunch his career after being sacked by Bayern Munich.

<h2>- Landmark for Flick -</h2>

Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen, Saturday 1430 GMT

Kovac was replaced in the dugout in Bavaria by Hansi Flick, who went on to win the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble last season and has added the UEFA and German Super Cups this season.

On Saturday Flick takes charge of Bayern for the 50th time when they host Werder Bremen.

Flick's record is astonishing. He has overseen 45 wins, one draw and just three defeats, with Bayern averaging 3.3 goals a game in the Bundesliga.

Bayern sealed the title with a 1-0 win in Bremen in June. Werder only just stayed up last season and lost 6-1 on their last trip to Munich. A similar outcome is quite possible this time.&nbsp;

<h2>- Real to struggle without Ramos? -</h2>

Villarreal v Real Madrid, Saturday 1515 GMT

Zinedine Zidane's Real have had two weeks to stew on a 4-1 hammering at Valencia and could find the going tough again this weekend when they make another trip to Spain's east coast to play Villarreal.

Unai Emery's side are undefeated in six La Liga games and are second in the table, two points behind leaders Real Sociedad and two above Real, who have a game in hand.

While Madrid are without talisman Sergio Ramos after he suffered a hamstring injury playing for Spain, Villarreal have two of Spain's most in-form strikers in Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno.

The latter has four league goals this season and scored a late equaliser for Spain against Switzerland in the Nations League last weekend, while Alcacer has nine in total.

They could make life very difficult for the champions.

<h2>- Another acid test for Barcelona -</h2>

Atletico Madrid v Barcelona, Saturday 2000 GMT

Barcelona claimed a first win in five La Liga games last time out when they thumped Real Betis 5-2, but they are currently eighth in the table, nine points behind Real Sociedad with two matches in hand.

On Saturday they visit Atletico, who are six points above Ronald Koeman's side and on a club-record unbeaten run of 23 league matches.

Luis Suarez's absence against his former side after a positive coronavirus test is a great shame, as will be the lack of fans, but this match still pits Lionel Messi against Joao Felix, and there is the return of Antoine Griezmann to face his old team.

<h2>- Milan's unbeaten record on the line -</h2>

Napoli v AC Milan, Sunday 1945 GMT

Milan's revival is real, as they spent the international break on top of Serie A, unbeaten and two points ahead of Sassuolo in second.

A huge test awaits, however, as they go to Napoli, who are three points off the lead in third.

Napoli have lost their last two home games but look like contenders for a top-four finish this season and the prospect of coach Gennaro Gattuso getting one over the club he served with such distinction as a player is a fascinating one.

Real Madrid and Barcelona's stuttering starts to the season could continue, while AC Milan's unbeaten record in Serie A is in danger and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is aiming to continue his astonishing record.

Real Madrid and Barcelona's stuttering starts to the season could continue, while AC Milan's unbeaten record in Serie A is in danger and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is aiming to continue his astonishing record. AFP Sport previews the standout football action on the continent this weekend: - German accent to French showdown - Monaco v Paris Saint-Germain, Friday 2000 GMT PSG are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and chasing a ninth straight win when they face Monaco, the only other club to have won the title in the past eight seasons. Paris have won 4-1 and 4-0 on their last two visits to the principality but they might find things harder this time, not least because coach Thomas Tuchel is without a host of injured players, while Neymar is a doubt. The game has a German accent to it, with Monaco looking to return to the upper echelons of the French game under new Croatian coach Niko Kovac, who was born and raised in Germany. Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel has been full of praise ahead of the game for Kovac, who he came up against when the latter was at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kovac is looking to relaunch his career after being sacked by Bayern Munich. - Landmark for Flick - Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen, Saturday 1430 GMT Kovac was replaced in the dugout in Bavaria by Hansi Flick, who went on to win the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble last season and has added the UEFA and German Super Cups this season. On Saturday Flick takes charge of Bayern for the 50th time when they host Werder Bremen. Flick's record is astonishing. He has overseen 45 wins, one draw and just three defeats, with Bayern averaging 3.3 goals a game in the Bundesliga. Bayern sealed the title with a 1-0 win in Bremen in June. Werder only just stayed up last season and lost 6-1 on their last trip to Munich. A similar outcome is quite possible this time. - Real to struggle without Ramos? - Villarreal v Real Madrid, Saturday 1515 GMT Zinedine Zidane's Real have had two weeks to stew on a 4-1 hammering at Valencia and could find the going tough again this weekend when they make another trip to Spain's east coast to play Villarreal. Unai Emery's side are undefeated in six La Liga games and are second in the table, two points behind leaders Real Sociedad and two above Real, who have a game in hand. While Madrid are without talisman Sergio Ramos after he suffered a hamstring injury playing for Spain, Villarreal have two of Spain's most in-form strikers in Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno. The latter has four league goals this season and scored a late equaliser for Spain against Switzerland in the Nations League last weekend, while Alcacer has nine in total. They could make life very difficult for the champions. - Another acid test for Barcelona - Atletico Madrid v Barcelona, Saturday 2000 GMT Barcelona claimed a first win in five La Liga games last time out when they thumped Real Betis 5-2, but they are currently eighth in the table, nine points behind Real Sociedad with two matches in hand. On Saturday they visit Atletico, who are six points above Ronald Koeman's side and on a club-record unbeaten run of 23 league matches. Luis Suarez's absence against his former side after a positive coronavirus test is a great shame, as will be the lack of fans, but this match still pits Lionel Messi against Joao Felix, and there is the return of Antoine Griezmann to face his old team. - Milan's unbeaten record on the line - Napoli v AC Milan, Sunday 1945 GMT Milan's revival is real, as they spent the international break on top of Serie A, unbeaten and two points ahead of Sassuolo in second. A huge test awaits, however, as they go to Napoli, who are three points off the lead in third. Napoli have lost their last two home games but look like contenders for a top-four finish this season and the prospect of coach Gennaro Gattuso getting one over the club he served with such distinction as a player is a fascinating one.

Huge tests for Real, Barca, a milestone for Flick - what to watch in Europe this weekend

FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman defended his star player Lionel Messi, who was visibly angry when journalists asked him about allegations levied by Griezmann's former agent.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-madness-lionel-messi-on-being-blamed-for-all-problems-at-barcelona-344083" hreflang="en">'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona</a>

"I need to defend Leo because if something happened to me after a trip of 15 hours in a plane back to Barcelona — you go outside and there is a lot of press asking that type of question — I would be dangerous and hate them as well," Koeman said on Friday.

"We have to respect people like Messi more. And from what I have seen on the field and in training, there is no problem between (Messi and Griezmann)."

Eric Olhats, who was Griezmann's agent till 2016, alleged that Messi is too controlling in the club and has marginalized Griezmann in his "regime of terror".&nbsp;

Koeman said that he is confident that the 33-year-old star will continue to play for Barcelona.&nbsp;

"I hope he will stay in Barcelona," Koeman said. "I think it is unbelievable what he has done for this club, but he is the main person to make a decision about his future."

FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman defended his star player Lionel Messi, who was visibly angry when journalists asked him about allegations levied by Griezmann's former agent.

FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman defended his star player Lionel Messi, who was visibly angry when journalists asked him about allegations levied by Griezmann's former agent. Also read: 'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona "I need to defend Leo because if something happened to me after a trip of 15 hours in a plane back to Barcelona — you go outside and there is a lot of press asking that type of question — I would be dangerous and hate them as well," Koeman said on Friday. "We have to respect people like Messi more. And from what I have seen on the field and in training, there is no problem between (Messi and Griezmann)." Eric Olhats, who was Griezmann's agent till 2016, alleged that Messi is too controlling in the club and has marginalized Griezmann in his "regime of terror". Koeman said that he is confident that the 33-year-old star will continue to play for Barcelona. "I hope he will stay in Barcelona," Koeman said. "I think it is unbelievable what he has done for this club, but he is the main person to make a decision about his future."

'We have to respect': Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman defends Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has become frustrated and tired of being blamed for all problems at Barcelona after Antoine Griezmann's former agent and uncle accused the Argentine of making life difficult for the French striker at the La Liga club.

Lionel Messi has become frustrated and tired of being blamed for all problems at Barcelona after Antoine Griezmann's former agent and uncle accused the Argentine of making life difficult for the French striker at the La Liga club. Also read: Belgium, Italy into Nations League finals as Foden stars in England win According to Griezemann's former agent, Eric Ohlats, Messi of having too much control at the club. He went on to say that his "reign of terror" had made life difficult for Griezmann to adapt since his arrival last year. Messi returned to Barcelona after playing international fixtures with Argentina. Upon his return, he was accosted by reporters at the airport. "The truth is that I'm a little tired of always being the problem for everything at the club," Messi was quoted as saying by Spanish media. "On top of that, after a 15-hour flight, I had the tax authorities waiting for me. It's madness." Messi has just one year left in his contract before he leaves the club for free. The club has witnessed chaos after a disturbing loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last season. FC Barcelona's president Bartomeu resigned ahead of a vote of no confidence. Lionel Messi has also faced some trouble by Spain's tax authorities. In 2016, Lionel Messi was handed a 21-month prison sentence and ordered to pay a fine of two million euros ($2.37 million) for defrauding the Spanish government of 4.2 million euros over income earned from image rights. However, the 33-year-old did not serve any jail time after exchanging his sentence for a 250,000 euros fine, as in Spain defendants without a previous conviction are permitted to serve any sentence of under two years on probation. (Inputs from Reuters)

'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona

With Barcelona`s glory days rapidly becoming a fading memory, presidential hopeful Victor Font believes luring former midfield great Xavi Hernandez back to the club would spark another golden age for the Catalans. 
 
Xavi, one of the architects of Barca`s decade-long rule of world football, is the coach of Qatari side Al Sadd but has agreed to play a leading role back with Barca if Font wins the club`s election on Jan. 24. 
 
While Font expects to see Xavi, 40, in the Barca dugout at some point, he is equally enthusiastic about the long term role he can play. 
 
"We decided some years ago the best person to help us build our organisation is Xavi," Font told Reuters in an interview. 
 
"Ideally we can have Xavi as a general manager for many years like Alex Ferguson was at Manchester United. But if he needs to play a different role, he can be flexible. Few people have the leadership qualities he has." 
 
Ferguson is the most successful manager in British soccer, having won 49 trophies during his 39-year managerial career, including 38 with Manchester United. 
 
Font is also determined that Xavi stays at Barca for many years and does not export his expertise to rival European clubs. 
 
"I have told Xavi we cannot afford to have another case like Pep Guardiola," Font said. 
 
"Pep coached the first team very successfully for a few years then he moved on and went to the competition (Bayern Munich and then Manchester City). We need to have Xavi in the club for the next 10 years." 
 
Font`s plan for Xavi to oversee the club`s progress does not mean his arrival would be an imminent threat to current coach Ronald Koeman. 
 
"That’s a decision the sporting directors will have to make, but we`re thankful to Ronald for taking on this challenge at a difficult time. We`re happy to see him making bold decisions and empowering the young players who have potential," he said. 
 
"Xavi has a very long term perspective. He’s only 40, he was telling me the other day his professional career as a coach has many years ahead of him. So there will be no tension or conflict." 
 
 
 
RETURNING TO BARCA`S ROOTS 
 
Xavi, who made a record 767 appearances for Barca between 1998 and 2015, came through the club`s La Masia youth academy. During his time at the club, Barcelona won a number of major competitions, including eight La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, four Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups. 
 
However, the once feted academy has long ceased to be a conveyor belt for the first team. 
 
Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto are the only first team regulars to break through from the academy since 2015, while the likes of Hector Bellerin, Thiago Alcantara and Eric Garcia all left fearing a lack of opportunities. 
 
Meanwhile, the club has misspent plenty of money on players who thrived at top European clubs but failed to deliver at Barca, such as Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. 
 
Font draws a direct correlation between the decline of the academy and the first team, whose decay was laid bare in last season`s humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. 
 
"Our history shows we have been most successful when we have been consistent with the style of play Johan Cruyff instilled in the 1980s and relied on talent from the academy," he said. 
 
"That’s why we need to go back to those roots and have professionals leading the project who are willing to take risks and make bets on the talent coming through, rather than making expensive signings. 
 
"Xavi, who has seen how young players can unleash their potential, is uniquely positioned to ensure we bet on young talent and convince those youngsters they`ll have enough chances to succeed if they stay at our club. 
 
"Big sporting decisions need to be in the hands of professionals who know the most about the sport," he added. 
 
 
 
(Reporting by Richard Martin, editing by Pritha Sarkar) 
&nbsp;

With Barcelona`s glory days rapidly becoming a fading memory, presidential hopeful Victor Font believes luring former midfield great Xavi Hernandez back to the club would spark another golden age for the Catalans.

With Barcelona`s glory days rapidly becoming a fading memory, presidential hopeful Victor Font believes luring former midfield great Xavi Hernandez back to the club would spark another golden age for the Catalans. Xavi, one of the architects of Barca`s decade-long rule of world football, is the coach of Qatari side Al Sadd but has agreed to play a leading role back with Barca if Font wins the club`s election on Jan. 24. While Font expects to see Xavi, 40, in the Barca dugout at some point, he is equally enthusiastic about the long term role he can play. "We decided some years ago the best person to help us build our organisation is Xavi," Font told Reuters in an interview. "Ideally we can have Xavi as a general manager for many years like Alex Ferguson was at Manchester United. But if he needs to play a different role, he can be flexible. Few people have the leadership qualities he has." Ferguson is the most successful manager in British soccer, having won 49 trophies during his 39-year managerial career, including 38 with Manchester United. Font is also determined that Xavi stays at Barca for many years and does not export his expertise to rival European clubs. "I have told Xavi we cannot afford to have another case like Pep Guardiola," Font said. "Pep coached the first team very successfully for a few years then he moved on and went to the competition (Bayern Munich and then Manchester City). We need to have Xavi in the club for the next 10 years." Font`s plan for Xavi to oversee the club`s progress does not mean his arrival would be an imminent threat to current coach Ronald Koeman. "That’s a decision the sporting directors will have to make, but we`re thankful to Ronald for taking on this challenge at a difficult time. We`re happy to see him making bold decisions and empowering the young players who have potential," he said. "Xavi has a very long term perspective. He’s only 40, he was telling me the other day his professional career as a coach has many years ahead of him. So there will be no tension or conflict." RETURNING TO BARCA`S ROOTS Xavi, who made a record 767 appearances for Barca between 1998 and 2015, came through the club`s La Masia youth academy. During his time at the club, Barcelona won a number of major competitions, including eight La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, four Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups. However, the once feted academy has long ceased to be a conveyor belt for the first team. Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto are the only first team regulars to break through from the academy since 2015, while the likes of Hector Bellerin, Thiago Alcantara and Eric Garcia all left fearing a lack of opportunities. Meanwhile, the club has misspent plenty of money on players who thrived at top European clubs but failed to deliver at Barca, such as Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. Font draws a direct correlation between the decline of the academy and the first team, whose decay was laid bare in last season`s humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. "Our history shows we have been most successful when we have been consistent with the style of play Johan Cruyff instilled in the 1980s and relied on talent from the academy," he said. "That’s why we need to go back to those roots and have professionals leading the project who are willing to take risks and make bets on the talent coming through, rather than making expensive signings. "Xavi, who has seen how young players can unleash their potential, is uniquely positioned to ensure we bet on young talent and convince those youngsters they`ll have enough chances to succeed if they stay at our club. "Big sporting decisions need to be in the hands of professionals who know the most about the sport," he added. (Reporting by Richard Martin, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Xavi can be Barca's Alex Ferguson, says presidential hopeful

Barcelona have decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, according to a report in El Mundo on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injury-plagued-brazil-suffer-big-blow-as-neymar-ruled-out-of-world-cup-qualifiers-342885" hreflang="en">Injury-plagued Brazil suffer big blow as Neymar ruled out of World Cup qualifiers</a>

Neymar Jr. had a successful spell for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, before the Brazilian decided to join French club Paris Saint-Germain on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($262 million).

However, as per Spanish newspaper El Mundo, an inspection from the tax office in Spain showed Barcelona "did not make the appropriate reductions when paying Neymar’s taxes, according to an inspection carried out on Barcelona which lasted until 2015".

According to the Spanish tax office's calculation, Neymar benefitted from "unfair enrichment". A source close to Barcelona told AFP that the club will now seek to reclaim the amount they are owed.

As per an official document released in September, the Brazilian striker has more unpaid tax with the Spanish authorities than any other person, with debts of 34.6 million euros.&nbsp;

Barcelona have decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, according to a report in El Mundo on Wednesday.

Barcelona have decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, according to a report in El Mundo on Wednesday. Also read: Injury-plagued Brazil suffer big blow as Neymar ruled out of World Cup qualifiers Neymar Jr. had a successful spell for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, before the Brazilian decided to join French club Paris Saint-Germain on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($262 million). However, as per Spanish newspaper El Mundo, an inspection from the tax office in Spain showed Barcelona "did not make the appropriate reductions when paying Neymar’s taxes, according to an inspection carried out on Barcelona which lasted until 2015". According to the Spanish tax office's calculation, Neymar benefitted from "unfair enrichment". A source close to Barcelona told AFP that the club will now seek to reclaim the amount they are owed. As per an official document released in September, the Brazilian striker has more unpaid tax with the Spanish authorities than any other person, with debts of 34.6 million euros.

Barcelona to sue Neymar for $12 million after allegedly overpaying player: report

Wearing black attire, the flamenco, salsa, ballet, tap and even hip-hop dancers sat on the square in front of the Catalan regional government building and broke out into different dances demanding that they be allowed to teach and practice again.

Spanish dance schools protest virus restrictions

Barcelona expect Ansu Fati to be out for four months after the club confirmed the 18-year-old underwent surgery on his knee injury on Monday.

Fati had the operation after tearing the internal meniscus of his left knee during Barca's 5-2 win over Real Betis on Saturday.

He will miss the majority of the rest of the season but could return for the run-in and will hope to be fit again in time to play for Spain in next summer's European Championship.

Barca's chances in La Liga and the Champions League have been dealt a blow by Fati's injury, given the forward had emerged as one of Ronald Koeman's most exciting players.

Fati has already scored five goals and provided two assists in his 10 appearances this term.

"Ansu Fati has been operated on successfully by Dr. Ramon Cugat for the injury to the internal meniscus of his left knee under the supervision of the Club's medical staff. The player will be out for approximately four months," Barcelona said in a statement.

Barcelona expect Ansu Fati to be out for four months after the club confirmed the 18-year-old underwent surgery on his knee injury on Monday. Fati had the operation after tearing the internal meniscus of his left knee during Barca's 5-2 win over Real Betis on Saturday.

Barcelona expect Ansu Fati to be out for four months after the club confirmed the 18-year-old underwent surgery on his knee injury on Monday. Fati had the operation after tearing the internal meniscus of his left knee during Barca's 5-2 win over Real Betis on Saturday. He will miss the majority of the rest of the season but could return for the run-in and will hope to be fit again in time to play for Spain in next summer's European Championship. Barca's chances in La Liga and the Champions League have been dealt a blow by Fati's injury, given the forward had emerged as one of Ronald Koeman's most exciting players. Fati has already scored five goals and provided two assists in his 10 appearances this term. "Ansu Fati has been operated on successfully by Dr. Ramon Cugat for the injury to the internal meniscus of his left knee under the supervision of the Club's medical staff. The player will be out for approximately four months," Barcelona said in a statement.

Teenager Fati out for four months, say Barcelona

Atletico Madrid jumped to the top of La Liga on Saturday with a 4-0 thrashing of Cadiz after Lionel Messi came on at half-time to rescue Barcelona against Real Betis.

Atletico claimed first place, ahead of Real Sociedad on goal difference, with the excellent Joao Felix scoring twice in another impressive victory for Diego Simeone's side.&nbsp;

Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente were also on target as Atletico made it five wins and two draws from their opening seven games and underlined their status as genuine title contenders.

They have scored 17 goals and conceded just two in that time.

After the international break, Atleti play at home to Barcelona, when Suarez and Antoine Griezmann will be up against their former clubs.

But while Suarez has enjoyed a superb start for Atletico, scoring five goals already, Griezmann continues to struggle in the shadow of Messi at Camp Nou.

Messi had been rested by Ronald Koeman but was thrown on with the game in the balance after Griezmann missed a penalty, before Betis' Antonio Sanabria cancelled out Ousmane Dembele's opener.&nbsp;

Within four minutes of his introduction, Messi gave Griezmann an open goal with a superb dummy and then scored twice himself, the first a penalty that saw Betis' Aissa Mandi sent off for a handball on the line.&nbsp;

In between, Loren Moron had given Betis brief hope but Messi's second and a late strike from Pedri ensured Barcelona ended their four-match winless run and climbed to eighth in La Liga.&nbsp;

Messi also gave a resounding answer to those suggesting his performances this season have been evidence of decline.&nbsp;

"Leo finished the match against Kiev with some problems," said Koeman. "He wasn't in a position to play in the first half but we talked about him being on the bench and said he would come on if he felt good.&nbsp;

"He's a player who in principle always plays, but today he didn't because of some minor problems."

Griezmann also got his goal with Messi on the pitch but was unable to prove a point without him.

<h2>- Gloomy Griezmann -&nbsp;</h2>

Despite a lively opening half an hour, Griezmann missed a penalty before Messi scored his and Griezmann was eventually substituted, pictured sat in the stands with a gloomy expression while Barca romped to victory.&nbsp;

"I hope he continues to work like he is working," said Koeman. "To miss opportunities you have to be there. We must highlight his character, to keep working. He knows perfectly well that he has missed a penalty, and some chances, but it means he is always there to score."

Barca broke through after 22 minutes when Dembele cut inside onto his left foot before hammering a finish past Claudio Bravo for his first league goal in 13 months.&nbsp;

Mandi conceded a penalty after sliding in on Ansu but Griezmann missed, a tame shot easily saved by Bravo, before Betis scored, Sanabria finishing after Cristian Tello had again surged clear down the left.&nbsp;

Messi came on and four minutes later Barca were ahead, the Argentinian scuttling to meet Jordi Alba's cross at the front post, only to step over the ball, fooling his marker and the goalkeeper, to leave Griezmann with an open net.&nbsp;

Messi made it 3-1 with a penalty, won after his pass had set up Dembele for a shot that was blocked on the line by the arm of Mandi, who was sent off.&nbsp;

Moron gave Betis hope with 17 minutes left but Messi made sure, latching onto Sergi Roberto's flick and smashing in his second and Barca's fourth. Pedri made it five in injury-time.&nbsp;

Sevilla later beat Osasuna 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Lucas Ocampos, that moves them up to 11th.

It is only the second time Sevilla have managed back-to-back wins this season, after a 3-2 victory over Krasnodar on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid jumped to the top of La Liga on Saturday with a 4-0 thrashing of Cadiz after Lionel Messi came on at half-time to rescue Barcelona against Real Betis.

Atletico Madrid jumped to the top of La Liga on Saturday with a 4-0 thrashing of Cadiz after Lionel Messi came on at half-time to rescue Barcelona against Real Betis. Atletico claimed first place, ahead of Real Sociedad on goal difference, with the excellent Joao Felix scoring twice in another impressive victory for Diego Simeone's side. Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente were also on target as Atletico made it five wins and two draws from their opening seven games and underlined their status as genuine title contenders. They have scored 17 goals and conceded just two in that time. After the international break, Atleti play at home to Barcelona, when Suarez and Antoine Griezmann will be up against their former clubs. But while Suarez has enjoyed a superb start for Atletico, scoring five goals already, Griezmann continues to struggle in the shadow of Messi at Camp Nou. Messi had been rested by Ronald Koeman but was thrown on with the game in the balance after Griezmann missed a penalty, before Betis' Antonio Sanabria cancelled out Ousmane Dembele's opener. Within four minutes of his introduction, Messi gave Griezmann an open goal with a superb dummy and then scored twice himself, the first a penalty that saw Betis' Aissa Mandi sent off for a handball on the line. In between, Loren Moron had given Betis brief hope but Messi's second and a late strike from Pedri ensured Barcelona ended their four-match winless run and climbed to eighth in La Liga. Messi also gave a resounding answer to those suggesting his performances this season have been evidence of decline. "Leo finished the match against Kiev with some problems," said Koeman. "He wasn't in a position to play in the first half but we talked about him being on the bench and said he would come on if he felt good. "He's a player who in principle always plays, but today he didn't because of some minor problems." Griezmann also got his goal with Messi on the pitch but was unable to prove a point without him. - Gloomy Griezmann - Despite a lively opening half an hour, Griezmann missed a penalty before Messi scored his and Griezmann was eventually substituted, pictured sat in the stands with a gloomy expression while Barca romped to victory. "I hope he continues to work like he is working," said Koeman. "To miss opportunities you have to be there. We must highlight his character, to keep working. He knows perfectly well that he has missed a penalty, and some chances, but it means he is always there to score." Barca broke through after 22 minutes when Dembele cut inside onto his left foot before hammering a finish past Claudio Bravo for his first league goal in 13 months. Mandi conceded a penalty after sliding in on Ansu but Griezmann missed, a tame shot easily saved by Bravo, before Betis scored, Sanabria finishing after Cristian Tello had again surged clear down the left. Messi came on and four minutes later Barca were ahead, the Argentinian scuttling to meet Jordi Alba's cross at the front post, only to step over the ball, fooling his marker and the goalkeeper, to leave Griezmann with an open net. Messi made it 3-1 with a penalty, won after his pass had set up Dembele for a shot that was blocked on the line by the arm of Mandi, who was sent off. Moron gave Betis hope with 17 minutes left but Messi made sure, latching onto Sergi Roberto's flick and smashing in his second and Barca's fourth. Pedri made it five in injury-time. Sevilla later beat Osasuna 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Lucas Ocampos, that moves them up to 11th. It is only the second time Sevilla have managed back-to-back wins this season, after a 3-2 victory over Krasnodar on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Atletico go top after Messi rescues Barca off the bench

Lionel Messi and his transfer saga have been the highlight this year. Many thought that Bartomeu's exit might have stopped Messi from leaving the club, but Camp Nou's presidential candidate Toni Freixa feels the iconic footballer would have to undergo a pay cut if he wishes to stay at Barca.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barca-juve-win-in-champions-league-as-woeful-man-utd-beaten-340708" hreflang="en">Barca, Juve win in Champions League as woeful Man Utd beaten</a>

"With Leo, we will speak calmly, face-to-face with Barcelona's best at the horizon," Freixa told El Curubito. "To him, as to all the players who have to renew or sign, we will make an offer that, of course, will not be feasible to match the terms that he has had until now.

"It's evident, and the members cannot be deceived, that the proposal that will be presented to him will not be the same as the one he has had until now, because income has fallen significantly and it will be necessary to find another formula.

Messi's departure will bring a significant hit to Barcelona and La Liga. However, as the new contract talks go, Frexia believes Messi still has a lot to offer but would need to lower his expectations if he wishes to extend his contract.

"You don't have to conquer Messi or convince him with other things. You have to look him in the eye and talk with him to know what each party wants, what he wants and what Barcelona want. We think Messi still has a lot of football left to play."

"There is no such thing as an apocalypse on the horizon that some have talked about and the world is not ending. [Barcelona] have 121 years of history and experience. We will move forward. [However, if the signings the other candidates promise] are to happen with Barcelona's money, I don't see it so clearly.

"It would be another thing if they pay from their own pockets."

Lionel Messi, currently, is earning a net £500,000 per week.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi and his transfer saga have been the highlight this year. Many thought that Bartomeu's exit might have stopped Messi from leaving the club, but Camp Nou's presidential candidate Toni Freixa feels the iconic footballer would have to undergo a pay cut if he wishes to stay at Barca.

Lionel Messi and his transfer saga have been the highlight this year. Many thought that Bartomeu's exit might have stopped Messi from leaving the club, but Camp Nou's presidential candidate Toni Freixa feels the iconic footballer would have to undergo a pay cut if he wishes to stay at Barca. Also read: Barca, Juve win in Champions League as woeful Man Utd beaten "With Leo, we will speak calmly, face-to-face with Barcelona's best at the horizon," Freixa told El Curubito. "To him, as to all the players who have to renew or sign, we will make an offer that, of course, will not be feasible to match the terms that he has had until now. "It's evident, and the members cannot be deceived, that the proposal that will be presented to him will not be the same as the one he has had until now, because income has fallen significantly and it will be necessary to find another formula. Messi's departure will bring a significant hit to Barcelona and La Liga. However, as the new contract talks go, Frexia believes Messi still has a lot to offer but would need to lower his expectations if he wishes to extend his contract. "You don't have to conquer Messi or convince him with other things. You have to look him in the eye and talk with him to know what each party wants, what he wants and what Barcelona want. We think Messi still has a lot of football left to play." "There is no such thing as an apocalypse on the horizon that some have talked about and the world is not ending. [Barcelona] have 121 years of history and experience. We will move forward. [However, if the signings the other candidates promise] are to happen with Barcelona's money, I don't see it so clearly. "It would be another thing if they pay from their own pockets." Lionel Messi, currently, is earning a net £500,000 per week.

Barcelona's presidential candidate asks Lionel Messi to take pay cut due to club debts

Lionel Messi scored as Barcelona overcame a depleted Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Juventus eased Ferencvaros aside and Manchester United slumped to an unexpected defeat in Turkey.

Nine-man Paris Saint-Germain lost to RB Leipzig in a repeat of last season's semi-final and Chelsea proved too strong for Rennes, with Timo Werner twice converting from the penalty spot.&nbsp;

Making his 150th appearance in European competition, Messi dispatched an early penalty at Camp Nou after he was fouled in the area and Gerard Pique headed in Ansu Fati's cross on the hour.

Viktor Tsygankov grabbed a consolation for coronavirus-hit Dynamo as Barca, winless in four games in La Liga, recorded their third successive Group G victory to stay three points clear of Juventus.

"We are happy because we won," said Barca coach Ronald Koeman. "But we have to play better than we did today. We have to improve, above all without the ball, where we haven't played well."

Cristiano Ronaldo made his first start for the Italian champions since September after testing positive for Covid-19 in a 4-1 win at Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

However, the Portuguese star was outshone in Budapest by Alvaro Morata, whose two goals put Andrea Pirlo's team in control.

Paulo Dybala added a third before an own goal from Lasha Dvali, with Franck Boli netting for the hosts in the final minute.

United produced a shambolic first-half defensive display as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost 2-1 against Istanbul Basaksehir.

Demba Ba collected the ball just inside his own half and raced through to beat goalkeeper Dean Henderson on 13 minutes, with Edin Visca smashing in a second after Juan Mata was stripped of possession.

Anthony Martial's header cut the deficit before half-time but United saw their momentum in Group H halted after wins over PSG and RB Leipzig last month.

"You don't just turn up and get three points in the Champions League. We weren't good enough, that's it. It's not easy to be positive when you've lost the way we did," Solskjaer told BT Sport.

<h2>- PSG capitulate in Leipzig -</h2>

Emil Forsberg's penalty earned Leipzig a 2-1 victory as they came from behind to beat a weakened Paris Saint-Germain, dealing a major blow to the Champions League aspirations of last season's runners-up.

Angel di Maria had given PSG an early lead in Germany but he then crucially missed a penalty for the French champions, who were missing both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe due to injury and ended the contest with nine men.

Christopher Nkunku levelled before half-time for Leipzig and Forsberg converted from the spot in the 57th minute before the visitors had both Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe sent off.

"It's difficult. It's maybe our fault because we didn't get the second goal and then made a mistake on the penalty," PSG boss Thomas Tuchel told RMC Sport.

"There was a red card, it's then hard, 10 against 11. There were too many things going against us."

Chelsea strolled to a 3-0 win at home against Rennes who saw defender Dalbert sent off after conceding two penalties in the first half.

Werner took over spot-kick duties from Jorginho and confidently tucked both away before Tammy Abraham turned in a third for the Blues on 50 minutes.

Frank Lampard's men have yet to concede in Group E and are level on seven points with Sevilla, who rallied to defeat Krasnodar 3-2 despite the dismissal of captain Jesus Navas late in the first half.

Goals from Magomed Suleymanov and Marcus Berg, the second a penalty, put Krasnodar ahead in Spain but Ivan Rakitic pulled one back for Sevilla before the break.

Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri struck twice in four second-half minutes to floor Krasnodar and leave the Russians alongside Rennes on just one point.

Erling Braut Haaland notched a brace to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 3-0 win at Club Brugge and send the Germans top of Group F. Thorgan Hazard had opened the scoring in his native Belgium.

Felipe Caicedo's late equaliser earned Lazio a 1-1 draw at Zenit Saint Petersburg after Aleksandr Erokhin had struck in the first half in front of some 17,000 fans in Russia.

Lionel Messi scored as Barcelona overcame a depleted Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Juventus eased Ferencvaros aside and Manchester United slumped to an unexpected defeat in Turkey.

Lionel Messi scored as Barcelona overcame a depleted Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Juventus eased Ferencvaros aside and Manchester United slumped to an unexpected defeat in Turkey. Nine-man Paris Saint-Germain lost to RB Leipzig in a repeat of last season's semi-final and Chelsea proved too strong for Rennes, with Timo Werner twice converting from the penalty spot. Making his 150th appearance in European competition, Messi dispatched an early penalty at Camp Nou after he was fouled in the area and Gerard Pique headed in Ansu Fati's cross on the hour. Viktor Tsygankov grabbed a consolation for coronavirus-hit Dynamo as Barca, winless in four games in La Liga, recorded their third successive Group G victory to stay three points clear of Juventus. "We are happy because we won," said Barca coach Ronald Koeman. "But we have to play better than we did today. We have to improve, above all without the ball, where we haven't played well." Cristiano Ronaldo made his first start for the Italian champions since September after testing positive for Covid-19 in a 4-1 win at Hungarian side Ferencvaros. However, the Portuguese star was outshone in Budapest by Alvaro Morata, whose two goals put Andrea Pirlo's team in control. Paulo Dybala added a third before an own goal from Lasha Dvali, with Franck Boli netting for the hosts in the final minute. United produced a shambolic first-half defensive display as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost 2-1 against Istanbul Basaksehir. Demba Ba collected the ball just inside his own half and raced through to beat goalkeeper Dean Henderson on 13 minutes, with Edin Visca smashing in a second after Juan Mata was stripped of possession. Anthony Martial's header cut the deficit before half-time but United saw their momentum in Group H halted after wins over PSG and RB Leipzig last month. "You don't just turn up and get three points in the Champions League. We weren't good enough, that's it. It's not easy to be positive when you've lost the way we did," Solskjaer told BT Sport. - PSG capitulate in Leipzig - Emil Forsberg's penalty earned Leipzig a 2-1 victory as they came from behind to beat a weakened Paris Saint-Germain, dealing a major blow to the Champions League aspirations of last season's runners-up. Angel di Maria had given PSG an early lead in Germany but he then crucially missed a penalty for the French champions, who were missing both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe due to injury and ended the contest with nine men. Christopher Nkunku levelled before half-time for Leipzig and Forsberg converted from the spot in the 57th minute before the visitors had both Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe sent off. "It's difficult. It's maybe our fault because we didn't get the second goal and then made a mistake on the penalty," PSG boss Thomas Tuchel told RMC Sport. "There was a red card, it's then hard, 10 against 11. There were too many things going against us." Chelsea strolled to a 3-0 win at home against Rennes who saw defender Dalbert sent off after conceding two penalties in the first half. Werner took over spot-kick duties from Jorginho and confidently tucked both away before Tammy Abraham turned in a third for the Blues on 50 minutes. Frank Lampard's men have yet to concede in Group E and are level on seven points with Sevilla, who rallied to defeat Krasnodar 3-2 despite the dismissal of captain Jesus Navas late in the first half. Goals from Magomed Suleymanov and Marcus Berg, the second a penalty, put Krasnodar ahead in Spain but Ivan Rakitic pulled one back for Sevilla before the break. Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri struck twice in four second-half minutes to floor Krasnodar and leave the Russians alongside Rennes on just one point. Erling Braut Haaland notched a brace to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 3-0 win at Club Brugge and send the Germans top of Group F. Thorgan Hazard had opened the scoring in his native Belgium. Felipe Caicedo's late equaliser earned Lazio a 1-1 draw at Zenit Saint Petersburg after Aleksandr Erokhin had struck in the first half in front of some 17,000 fans in Russia.

Barca, Juve win in Champions League as woeful Man Utd beaten

Barcelona made it four La Liga games without a win on Saturday after failing to beat 10-man Alaves, a 1-1 draw leaving Ronald Koeman's side sitting 12th in the table.

Luis Rioja put Alaves in front at Mendizorrotza after an error from Barca's back-up goalkeeper Neto, with Antoine Griezmann equalising in the second half, a minute after Jota Peleteiro had been sent off.

But with almost half an hour left and an extra man, Barcelona were still unable to find a winner, instead settling for a draw to go with recent defeats by Getafe and Real Madrid, and another draw against Sevilla.

It means Madrid, who had earlier won 4-1 at home to Huesca, now sit eight points clear of their Catalan rivals, having played a game more, while Atletico are six ahead after they beat Osasuna 3-1. Atletico will go top if they win their game in hand.

Even at this early stage in the title race, the gap is significant and Koeman will know the scrutiny on his position as coach will increase, particularly after the resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu as president on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Bartomeu appointed Koeman coach in August and eight points from the first six league games is not the sort of form that will impress the next president and board, who should be voted in before the end of January.

"I'm very disappointed," said Koeman. "Once again we haven't played well enough to get a result. The first goal was a gift and then we created a lot of chances but didn't take them."

Koeman's decision to substitute Ansu Fati with 12 minutes left was particularly surprising given Fati had been arguably Barcelona's most dangerous player, perhaps even more threatening than Lionel Messi, who endured a frustrating night.

Messi has still not scored in open play this season and while he was at the heart of almost every Barca attack, his touch and finishing was again not as crisp as usual. He was booked in the first half for dissent.

Fati and Griezmann both missed early chances while a Messi free-kick would have gone in had Florian Lejeune not been perfectly placed on the line.

Frenkie de Jong was unlucky not to have had a penalty when nudged out of a free header by Ximo Navarro before a Barca mistake gifted Alaves the opening goal.

Gerard Pique underestimated how close Neto was to him and the defender's firmly hit backpass caught the goalkeeper by surprise. Neto failed to adjust his feet and Rioja capitalised, robbing him of the ball and tapping into an open net.

Koeman made three changes at half-time, with Pedri, Francisco Trincao and Miralem Pjanic all coming on.

But Barca found it difficult to break down the Alaves defence until Peleteiro gave them an opening. He booted Pique in the face to earn a second yellow card in the 62nd minute and in the 63rd, Griezmann equalised, an exquisite, lifted finish pulling Barcelona level.

It was almost 2-1 a minute later but Messi's finish was well saved while Griezmann had a second ruled out for offside. Fati fired at goal before going off and Pique's finish was cleared off the line. Alaves held on.

<h2>- Hazard ends goal drought -</h2>

Eden Hazard earlier scored his first goal for Real Madrid in over a year and his team appear to have turned a corner after their comfortable win over Huesca.&nbsp;

Hazard has had a terrible time with injuries since joining Madrid for 100 million euros from Chelsea in 2019 but the Belgian will hope his stunning strike from distance at the Alfredo di Stefano can kick-start his career in Spain.&nbsp;

"We know the quality that Eden has," Zidane said. "He scored a good goal and we needed it in the first half, because after his first goal the game was different." &nbsp;

Karim Benzema and Fede Valverde made the win secure before Huesca scored through David Ferreiro, only for Benzema to add his second and Madrid's fourth in injury-time.&nbsp;

It caps an encouraging week for &nbsp;Zidane's side, which began with the Clasico win at Camp Nou and finishes with them top of the table, two points ahead of Real Sociedad.

Barcelona made it four La Liga games without a win on Saturday after failing to beat 10-man Alaves, a 1-1 draw leaving Ronald Koeman's side sitting 12th in the table.

Barcelona made it four La Liga games without a win on Saturday after failing to beat 10-man Alaves, a 1-1 draw leaving Ronald Koeman's side sitting 12th in the table. Luis Rioja put Alaves in front at Mendizorrotza after an error from Barca's back-up goalkeeper Neto, with Antoine Griezmann equalising in the second half, a minute after Jota Peleteiro had been sent off. But with almost half an hour left and an extra man, Barcelona were still unable to find a winner, instead settling for a draw to go with recent defeats by Getafe and Real Madrid, and another draw against Sevilla. It means Madrid, who had earlier won 4-1 at home to Huesca, now sit eight points clear of their Catalan rivals, having played a game more, while Atletico are six ahead after they beat Osasuna 3-1. Atletico will go top if they win their game in hand. Even at this early stage in the title race, the gap is significant and Koeman will know the scrutiny on his position as coach will increase, particularly after the resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu as president on Tuesday. Bartomeu appointed Koeman coach in August and eight points from the first six league games is not the sort of form that will impress the next president and board, who should be voted in before the end of January. "I'm very disappointed," said Koeman. "Once again we haven't played well enough to get a result. The first goal was a gift and then we created a lot of chances but didn't take them." Koeman's decision to substitute Ansu Fati with 12 minutes left was particularly surprising given Fati had been arguably Barcelona's most dangerous player, perhaps even more threatening than Lionel Messi, who endured a frustrating night. Messi has still not scored in open play this season and while he was at the heart of almost every Barca attack, his touch and finishing was again not as crisp as usual. He was booked in the first half for dissent. Fati and Griezmann both missed early chances while a Messi free-kick would have gone in had Florian Lejeune not been perfectly placed on the line. Frenkie de Jong was unlucky not to have had a penalty when nudged out of a free header by Ximo Navarro before a Barca mistake gifted Alaves the opening goal. Gerard Pique underestimated how close Neto was to him and the defender's firmly hit backpass caught the goalkeeper by surprise. Neto failed to adjust his feet and Rioja capitalised, robbing him of the ball and tapping into an open net. Koeman made three changes at half-time, with Pedri, Francisco Trincao and Miralem Pjanic all coming on. But Barca found it difficult to break down the Alaves defence until Peleteiro gave them an opening. He booted Pique in the face to earn a second yellow card in the 62nd minute and in the 63rd, Griezmann equalised, an exquisite, lifted finish pulling Barcelona level. It was almost 2-1 a minute later but Messi's finish was well saved while Griezmann had a second ruled out for offside. Fati fired at goal before going off and Pique's finish was cleared off the line. Alaves held on. - Hazard ends goal drought - Eden Hazard earlier scored his first goal for Real Madrid in over a year and his team appear to have turned a corner after their comfortable win over Huesca. Hazard has had a terrible time with injuries since joining Madrid for 100 million euros from Chelsea in 2019 but the Belgian will hope his stunning strike from distance at the Alfredo di Stefano can kick-start his career in Spain. "We know the quality that Eden has," Zidane said. "He scored a good goal and we needed it in the first half, because after his first goal the game was different." Karim Benzema and Fede Valverde made the win secure before Huesca scored through David Ferreiro, only for Benzema to add his second and Madrid's fourth in injury-time. It caps an encouraging week for Zidane's side, which began with the Clasico win at Camp Nou and finishes with them top of the table, two points ahead of Real Sociedad.

Barcelona held by 10-man Alaves to extend winless streak in La Liga

Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves on Saturday has left Ronald Koeman scratching his head as the former Dutch international cursed his side’s profligacy after dropping points for the fourth game in a row in La Liga 2020-21.

Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pachecho was at his best as he almost stopped everything despite Barcelona firing a staggering 25 shots. It was only Antoine Griezmann who could breach the goal line once after Jota was sent off for the hosts.

Barcelona trailed in the first-half after Luis Rioja capitalized on a glaring error by Neto after a mix-up with defender Gerard Pique.&nbsp;

“I’m worried about our performance in attack. We don’t have a problem with our attitude or concentration, we just need to be more efficient in front of goal,” Koeman told reporters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-held-by-10-man-alaves-to-extend-winless-streak-in-la-liga-339388" hreflang="en">Barcelona held by 10-man Alaves to extend winless streak in La Liga</a>

“We also gifted a goal to Alaves, but when you create so many chances you can’t afford to miss them. If you create that many chances and only score once, it’s not good.”

The surprise draw against Alaves came after Barcelona lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in El Clasico and were defeated by Getafe. Currently, they are 12th in the La Liga standings with just eight points in six matches.&nbsp;

“I’m surprised I’m being criticised for the image I gave on the touchline. I think we did everything we could from the dugout and on the pitch,” he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/seven-years-is-a-long-gap-mourinho-says-fans-cannot-expect-same-from-bale-339275" hreflang="en">'Seven years is a long gap': Mourinho says fans cannot expect same from Bale</a>

“In the last 10 minutes, we played as we needed to play. If you criticise me for how I appear on the touchline, then we might as well give up.”

The Dutchman added: “Of course I’m worried that we’ve only got two points from the last 12. I think overall we played ok, I’d be more worried if we weren’t creating chances.

“But we need to do better in front of goal, with the final pass, the final shot. We cannot afford to squander so many chances, we missed too many.” 
&nbsp;

Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves on Saturday has left Ronald Koeman scratching his head as the former Dutch international cursed his side’s profligacy after dropping points for the fourth game in a row in La Liga 2020-21.

Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves on Saturday has left Ronald Koeman scratching his head as the former Dutch international cursed his side’s profligacy after dropping points for the fourth game in a row in La Liga 2020-21. Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pachecho was at his best as he almost stopped everything despite Barcelona firing a staggering 25 shots. It was only Antoine Griezmann who could breach the goal line once after Jota was sent off for the hosts. Barcelona trailed in the first-half after Luis Rioja capitalized on a glaring error by Neto after a mix-up with defender Gerard Pique. “I’m worried about our performance in attack. We don’t have a problem with our attitude or concentration, we just need to be more efficient in front of goal,” Koeman told reporters. ALSO READ: Barcelona held by 10-man Alaves to extend winless streak in La Liga “We also gifted a goal to Alaves, but when you create so many chances you can’t afford to miss them. If you create that many chances and only score once, it’s not good.” The surprise draw against Alaves came after Barcelona lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in El Clasico and were defeated by Getafe. Currently, they are 12th in the La Liga standings with just eight points in six matches. “I’m surprised I’m being criticised for the image I gave on the touchline. I think we did everything we could from the dugout and on the pitch,” he said. ALSO READ: 'Seven years is a long gap': Mourinho says fans cannot expect same from Bale “In the last 10 minutes, we played as we needed to play. If you criticise me for how I appear on the touchline, then we might as well give up.” The Dutchman added: “Of course I’m worried that we’ve only got two points from the last 12. I think overall we played ok, I’d be more worried if we weren’t creating chances. “But we need to do better in front of goal, with the final pass, the final shot. We cannot afford to squander so many chances, we missed too many.”

La Liga: Wasteful Barcelona leaves Ronald Koeman concerned

Overflowing with aging cats who lost their owners to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barcelona's cat sanctuary El Jardinet dels Gats has launched an online campaign to get them adopted.

Catalan cat shelter gets smart to help COVID orphans

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the club on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence that was due to be held next month after some 20,000 fans signed a petition demanding that he step down. The rest of the board of directors also resigned.

“It’s a thought-out, serene, informed decision” to resign, Bartomeu said in a televised speech.

Bartomeu, 57, has been facing growing resentment in the last year due to the club’s worsening finances and the team’s decline on the pitch, which came to a head with their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals in August.

He has been widely criticised after talisman forward Lionel Messi requested a transfer following the Champions League humiliation and was facing a vote of no confidence from the club’s ‘socios’.

He had tried to convince the Catalan government to scrap the censure vote due to the coronavirus pandemic but it would not budge.

Bartomeu called the government’s decision irresponsible in his speech, while thanking the club and saying he could not have resigned earlier.

“The easiest thing after the Champions (League defeat) was to resign, but one had to take decisions amid an unprecedented global crisis,” he said, adding that later on, in the wake of the Messi spat, he could not let the club be run by external, temporary figures.

“Who would have ensured that Messi stayed? Who would have hired a new coach?” said Bartomeu, who took over at Barcelona from Sandro Rosell in 2014.

Messi handed Barca an official notice in August of his desire to terminate his contract before eventually deciding to stay for this season, the last on his current deal, because he did not want to face a legal battle with the club.

After rowing back on his decision to leave, the Argentine continued to attack Bartomeu in a September interview, when he described his stewardship of the club as a “disaster”. He also criticised Barca for their treatment of Luis Suarez, who left the club for Atletico Madrid.

On the pitch, Barca’s struggles have continued into the new campaign after they ended last season trophyless.

Having appointed their former player Ronald Koeman as manager in the close season, Barca have won only two of their opening five league games and lost 3-1 at home to rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the club on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence that was due to be held next month after some 20,000 fans signed a petition demanding that he step down.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the club on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence that was due to be held next month after some 20,000 fans signed a petition demanding that he step down. The rest of the board of directors also resigned. “It’s a thought-out, serene, informed decision” to resign, Bartomeu said in a televised speech. Bartomeu, 57, has been facing growing resentment in the last year due to the club’s worsening finances and the team’s decline on the pitch, which came to a head with their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals in August. He has been widely criticised after talisman forward Lionel Messi requested a transfer following the Champions League humiliation and was facing a vote of no confidence from the club’s ‘socios’. He had tried to convince the Catalan government to scrap the censure vote due to the coronavirus pandemic but it would not budge. Bartomeu called the government’s decision irresponsible in his speech, while thanking the club and saying he could not have resigned earlier. “The easiest thing after the Champions (League defeat) was to resign, but one had to take decisions amid an unprecedented global crisis,” he said, adding that later on, in the wake of the Messi spat, he could not let the club be run by external, temporary figures. “Who would have ensured that Messi stayed? Who would have hired a new coach?” said Bartomeu, who took over at Barcelona from Sandro Rosell in 2014. Messi handed Barca an official notice in August of his desire to terminate his contract before eventually deciding to stay for this season, the last on his current deal, because he did not want to face a legal battle with the club. After rowing back on his decision to leave, the Argentine continued to attack Bartomeu in a September interview, when he described his stewardship of the club as a “disaster”. He also criticised Barca for their treatment of Luis Suarez, who left the club for Atletico Madrid. On the pitch, Barca’s struggles have continued into the new campaign after they ended last season trophyless. Having appointed their former player Ronald Koeman as manager in the close season, Barca have won only two of their opening five league games and lost 3-1 at home to rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.

Barcelona president Bartomeu resigns after Messi row

Real Madrid triumphed in the Clasico, Robert Lewandowski kept up his stunning form and Ajax recorded the biggest victory in the history of the Dutch top flight.

AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from the weekend's action across the continent:

<h2>- Real take Clasico honours -</h2>

Rarely in recent years have both Barcelona and Real Madrid come into a Clasico at such a low ebb, but it was Zinedine Zidane's team who emerged from their own mini-crisis with a fine 3-1 win at an empty Camp Nou.

Not for the first time in this fixture there was controversy, with the decision to award Real a crucial second-half penalty leaving Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman furious with the VAR.

Sergio Ramos's spot-kick put the visitors 2-1 up and Luka Modric went on to wrap up the win which saw Real bounce back from suffering consecutive defeats in the week leading up to the game.

They have now lost just once in eight trips to the Camp Nou and the result relieves the pressure on Zidane, while leaving Koeman under the cosh. That is two straight La Liga losses now for Barca, the first time that has happened since April 2016. They are 12th in the table.

<h2>- Another record for Lewandowski -</h2>

Robert Lewandowski's sensational start to this season continued as he bagged a hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 5-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Polish striker has 10 goals already and is the first to reach that mark after just five matches of a Bundesliga campaign.

It was a perfect hat-trick, with Lewandowski scoring one each with his left foot, right foot and head. At 32 he is in the form of his life, having scored 55 times in total last season as Bayern won the treble.

<h2>- Lucky 13: Ajax make history -</h2>

Those who thought record wins and double-figure scorelines belonged to the 1930s can think again. On Saturday Ajax set the all-time mark for the biggest victory in the Dutch Eredivisie as they crushed hapless VVV Venlo 13-0 away.

Lassina Traore struck five times as the Amsterdam club outdid Johan Cruyff's Ajax, whose 12-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem had stood as the top flight's record win since May 1972 -- the season they won the league title and the second of their four European Cups.

Traore, the 19-year-old from Burkina Faso, became the first Ajax player to score five in an Eredivisie game since Marco van Basten in 1985.

"We were hungry in the field. We wanted to score goals, and I'm fine with that," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, whose team now go to Atalanta in the Champions League.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Stumbling Juventus -</h2>

Juventus have now drawn the last three Serie A games they have actually played, leaving aside the 3-0 win they were awarded when Napoli did not turn up for their recent match in Turin due to a coronavirus outbreak.

On Sunday Andrea Pirlo's team needed Dejan Kulusevski to come off the bench and salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Verona as the reigning champions again had to do without Cristiano Ronaldo following a positive Covid-19 test.

"We could have done better," admitted novice coach Pirlo, whose side may have their work cut out if they are to win a 10th straight Scudetto with a resurgent AC Milan joining the likes of Inter and Atalanta in hoping to knock the Old Lady off her perch.

Now Juve host Barcelona in the Champions League looking to build on the one victory they have enjoyed in recent weeks, away at Dynamo Kiev.

<h2>- Depay, Aouar star for Lyon -</h2>

They were supposed to leave Lyon before the transfer window closed but both saw moves away from the French club fall through.

Memphis Depay had hoped to join his former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman at Barcelona while Houssem Aouar might have left his boyhood club for Arsenal, but instead they remain with last season's Champions League semi-finalists, who are not in Europe at all in this campaign.

It hs been a slow start for OL but on Sunday they trounced Monaco 4-1 to go sixth in Ligue 1, with Depay opening the scoring and Aouar netting a penalty. Karl Toko Ekambi got their other two goals.

Real Madrid triumphed in the Clasico, Robert Lewandowski kept up his stunning form and Ajax recorded the biggest victory in the history of the Dutch top flight. AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from the weekend's action across the continent: - Real take Clasico honours - Rarely in recent years have both Barcelona and Real Madrid come into a Clasico at such a low ebb, but it was Zinedine Zidane's team who emerged from their own mini-crisis with a fine 3-1 win at an empty Camp Nou.

Real Madrid triumphed in the Clasico, Robert Lewandowski kept up his stunning form and Ajax recorded the biggest victory in the history of the Dutch top flight. AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from the weekend's action across the continent: - Real take Clasico honours - Rarely in recent years have both Barcelona and Real Madrid come into a Clasico at such a low ebb, but it was Zinedine Zidane's team who emerged from their own mini-crisis with a fine 3-1 win at an empty Camp Nou. Not for the first time in this fixture there was controversy, with the decision to award Real a crucial second-half penalty leaving Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman furious with the VAR. Sergio Ramos's spot-kick put the visitors 2-1 up and Luka Modric went on to wrap up the win which saw Real bounce back from suffering consecutive defeats in the week leading up to the game. They have now lost just once in eight trips to the Camp Nou and the result relieves the pressure on Zidane, while leaving Koeman under the cosh. That is two straight La Liga losses now for Barca, the first time that has happened since April 2016. They are 12th in the table. - Another record for Lewandowski - Robert Lewandowski's sensational start to this season continued as he bagged a hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 5-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. The Polish striker has 10 goals already and is the first to reach that mark after just five matches of a Bundesliga campaign. It was a perfect hat-trick, with Lewandowski scoring one each with his left foot, right foot and head. At 32 he is in the form of his life, having scored 55 times in total last season as Bayern won the treble. - Lucky 13: Ajax make history - Those who thought record wins and double-figure scorelines belonged to the 1930s can think again. On Saturday Ajax set the all-time mark for the biggest victory in the Dutch Eredivisie as they crushed hapless VVV Venlo 13-0 away. Lassina Traore struck five times as the Amsterdam club outdid Johan Cruyff's Ajax, whose 12-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem had stood as the top flight's record win since May 1972 -- the season they won the league title and the second of their four European Cups. Traore, the 19-year-old from Burkina Faso, became the first Ajax player to score five in an Eredivisie game since Marco van Basten in 1985. "We were hungry in the field. We wanted to score goals, and I'm fine with that," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, whose team now go to Atalanta in the Champions League. - Stumbling Juventus - Juventus have now drawn the last three Serie A games they have actually played, leaving aside the 3-0 win they were awarded when Napoli did not turn up for their recent match in Turin due to a coronavirus outbreak. On Sunday Andrea Pirlo's team needed Dejan Kulusevski to come off the bench and salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Verona as the reigning champions again had to do without Cristiano Ronaldo following a positive Covid-19 test. "We could have done better," admitted novice coach Pirlo, whose side may have their work cut out if they are to win a 10th straight Scudetto with a resurgent AC Milan joining the likes of Inter and Atalanta in hoping to knock the Old Lady off her perch. Now Juve host Barcelona in the Champions League looking to build on the one victory they have enjoyed in recent weeks, away at Dynamo Kiev. - Depay, Aouar star for Lyon - They were supposed to leave Lyon before the transfer window closed but both saw moves away from the French club fall through. Memphis Depay had hoped to join his former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman at Barcelona while Houssem Aouar might have left his boyhood club for Arsenal, but instead they remain with last season's Champions League semi-finalists, who are not in Europe at all in this campaign. It hs been a slow start for OL but on Sunday they trounced Monaco 4-1 to go sixth in Ligue 1, with Depay opening the scoring and Aouar netting a penalty. Karl Toko Ekambi got their other two goals.

Madrid's Clasico, Lewandowski, record-breaking Ajax: European football talking points

Barcelona police deployed 160 officers overnight as a new curfew came into effect on Sunday (October 25) evening from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.. Public squares, parks and beaches were empty, except a few who were approached by police.

Barcelona police patrol streets to enforce nighttime curfew

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arteta-feels-he-has-failed-arsenal-over-ozil-omission-337064" hreflang="en">Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission</a>

In an interview with &nbsp;Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The club have spoken to us about gradually brining fans back, and we told them this is something we need to analyse game by game. Initial figures could be 3000 or 5000 people at the Nou Camp, and according to the epidemiological situation, we will decide if we can scale that up," he said.

"I think that the protocols will be just about ready to allow for a crowd for the game against Juventus on Dec. 8, as long as the epidemiological situation hasn't got worse."

Barcelona is yet to comment on the situation.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government. Also read: Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission In an interview with Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government. Also read: Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission In an interview with Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "The club have spoken to us about gradually brining fans back, and we told them this is something we need to analyse game by game. Initial figures could be 3000 or 5000 people at the Nou Camp, and according to the epidemiological situation, we will decide if we can scale that up," he said. "I think that the protocols will be just about ready to allow for a crowd for the game against Juventus on Dec. 8, as long as the epidemiological situation hasn't got worse." Barcelona is yet to comment on the situation. (Inputs from Reuters)

Barcelona vs Juventus in December might feature fans: Catalan's regional government

Gerard Pique called for changes from top to bottom but 65 days have passed since the humilation by Bayern Munich and Barcelona's recovery looks far from complete.&nbsp;

Eight of the team that started the humiliation in Lisbon remain, despite Pique saying nobody should be safe.&nbsp;

The club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu remains too, despite more than 16,000 members signing a petition to get rid of him.&nbsp;

Luis Suarez was pushed out, eventually to Atletico Madrid, and Ronald Koeman replaced Quique Setien as coach in what were the most significant shifts in a supposedly revolutionary summer.&nbsp;

But Koeman was never going to be an appointment that instantly won over the players while Suarez's exit left Lionel Messi seething, another chance duly taken to criticise Bartomeu and the board.&nbsp;

"It's normal for a player to be a bit sad when a friend of his leaves after the years they had together but it's part of football," said Koeman.

Messi said last season Barcelona were not good enough to win the Champions League and he was proven right, their 8-2 humbling at the hands of Bayern laying bare the chasm in class between the soon-to-be-champions and a team that have only once gone past the quarter-finals since 2015.&nbsp;

And as Barca get set to go again, their latest European tilt beginning against Hungary's Ferencvaros on Tuesday, the worry will be there is little to suggest they are any better this time around.

Their biggest summer signing, Miralem Pjanic, was the result of an economic operation aimed at balancing the books and whether he will be a significant upgrade on Arthur Melo, who went the other way to Juventus, is open to question.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Trying to change the team' -</h2>

Pedri, signed from Las Palmas in a deal agreed last year, has been one of the bright sparks in Barca's opening month, the attacking midfielder particularly impressive in the 1-0 defeat by Getafe on Saturday.&nbsp;

But he is 17 and, like the 20-year-old Francisco Trincao, is not expected to transform this team now.&nbsp;

Sergino Dest, the latest arrival from Ajax, is 19, although he can expect to feature more regularly to fill the void at right-back.&nbsp;

"The club is trying to change the team," said Koeman. "There are very young players who will get chances."

Barcelona could not afford Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan or Memphis Depay at Lyon, leaving Koeman with a squad that is neither the one he wanted nor planned for.

Yet his job is still somehow to get Barca competing again with Europe's elite.&nbsp;

He will be tasked with making up the gap not only on Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain but also the likes of Manchester City, who spent 160 million euros in the transfer window, and Liverpool, who added Thiago Alcantara, once of Barcelona's youth teams and now arguably the finest midfield playmaker in the world.

And all the while, the uncertain future of Messi lingers, with every disappointment increasing the possibility of him talking to other clubs in January.&nbsp;

Few could criticise Messi's performances since his attempt to leave in the summer but his one penalty scored in Barcelona's four opening matches this season is certainly not peak form for the Argentinian.&nbsp;

The best chance of him staying is arguably if Koeman leaves, given the Dutchman's departure would likely mean there had been a change of president.&nbsp;

Bartomeu is due to face a vote of no confidence in the next few weeks after the successful petition submitted by club members, which means the stability of the club's president, coach and captain are all still up in the air.

Two and a half months on from the loss to Bayern, a new Champions League offers Barcelona hope but few guarantees.

Gerard Pique called for changes from top to bottom but 65 days have passed since the humilation by Bayern Munich and Barcelona's recovery looks far from complete.

Gerard Pique called for changes from top to bottom but 65 days have passed since the humilation by Bayern Munich and Barcelona's recovery looks far from complete. Eight of the team that started the humiliation in Lisbon remain, despite Pique saying nobody should be safe. The club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu remains too, despite more than 16,000 members signing a petition to get rid of him. Luis Suarez was pushed out, eventually to Atletico Madrid, and Ronald Koeman replaced Quique Setien as coach in what were the most significant shifts in a supposedly revolutionary summer. But Koeman was never going to be an appointment that instantly won over the players while Suarez's exit left Lionel Messi seething, another chance duly taken to criticise Bartomeu and the board. "It's normal for a player to be a bit sad when a friend of his leaves after the years they had together but it's part of football," said Koeman. Messi said last season Barcelona were not good enough to win the Champions League and he was proven right, their 8-2 humbling at the hands of Bayern laying bare the chasm in class between the soon-to-be-champions and a team that have only once gone past the quarter-finals since 2015. And as Barca get set to go again, their latest European tilt beginning against Hungary's Ferencvaros on Tuesday, the worry will be there is little to suggest they are any better this time around. Their biggest summer signing, Miralem Pjanic, was the result of an economic operation aimed at balancing the books and whether he will be a significant upgrade on Arthur Melo, who went the other way to Juventus, is open to question. - 'Trying to change the team' - Pedri, signed from Las Palmas in a deal agreed last year, has been one of the bright sparks in Barca's opening month, the attacking midfielder particularly impressive in the 1-0 defeat by Getafe on Saturday. But he is 17 and, like the 20-year-old Francisco Trincao, is not expected to transform this team now. Sergino Dest, the latest arrival from Ajax, is 19, although he can expect to feature more regularly to fill the void at right-back. "The club is trying to change the team," said Koeman. "There are very young players who will get chances." Barcelona could not afford Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan or Memphis Depay at Lyon, leaving Koeman with a squad that is neither the one he wanted nor planned for. Yet his job is still somehow to get Barca competing again with Europe's elite. He will be tasked with making up the gap not only on Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain but also the likes of Manchester City, who spent 160 million euros in the transfer window, and Liverpool, who added Thiago Alcantara, once of Barcelona's youth teams and now arguably the finest midfield playmaker in the world. And all the while, the uncertain future of Messi lingers, with every disappointment increasing the possibility of him talking to other clubs in January. Few could criticise Messi's performances since his attempt to leave in the summer but his one penalty scored in Barcelona's four opening matches this season is certainly not peak form for the Argentinian. The best chance of him staying is arguably if Koeman leaves, given the Dutchman's departure would likely mean there had been a change of president. Bartomeu is due to face a vote of no confidence in the next few weeks after the successful petition submitted by club members, which means the stability of the club's president, coach and captain are all still up in the air. Two and a half months on from the loss to Bayern, a new Champions League offers Barcelona hope but few guarantees.

New Champions League offers fresh start for Barca but few guarantees

Real Madrid and Barcelona will each head into the Clasico next weekend on the back of a defeat after La Liga's two title favourites were punished for slack performances on Saturday.

Zinedine Zidane made four substitutions at half-time but could not spark a lethargic Madrid into life as his team fell 1-0 at home to newly-promoted Cadiz.&nbsp;

Then two hours later on the opposite side of the city, Ronald Koeman tasted his first competitive loss as coach of Barcelona as they followed Madrid's example by being beaten 1-0 by Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Madrid's was perhaps the more concerning display, the reigning champions managing just two shots on target against Cadiz, who could have scored more after Anthony Lozano's early strike.&nbsp;

But Barca were not much better, with Lionel Messi strangely quiet and the team failing to rebound after Jaime Mata's penalty gave Getafe the lead in the second half.

For Madrid, there was an injury concern too as Sergio Ramos spent the second half in the stands with ice strapped around his left knee.&nbsp;

Madrid said the injury was not serious but it puts in doubt Ramos' involvement in their first Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, as well the Clasico three days later.&nbsp;

"Hopefully it's minor, said Zidane. "Tomorrow we'll see what he has done."

A prolonged absence for Ramos would cap a deflating night for the champions, whose dreary display certainly hands an early boost to their title rivals.&nbsp;

Even if Barcelona were unable to capitalise, Atletico Madrid had earlier beaten Celta Vigo 2-0, with Luis Suarez opening the scoring at Balaidos.

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'No excuses' -</h2>

"There is no explanation," said Zidane. "If they scored two or three goals in the first half, we couldn't have complained. There are no excuses."

This is Cadiz's first season in the top flight in 14 years and their first victory over Real Madrid in 29. Their reward is second place in the table, denied top spot by their opponents only due to goal difference.&nbsp;

Isco, Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez were the other three players to be hauled off by Zidane, who was reacting to a particularly poor display from his side in the first half.&nbsp;

Eder Militao, Casemiro, Fede Valverde and Marco Asensio came on while a surprised-looking Toni Kroos also departed in the second period, replaced by Luka Jovic.&nbsp;

But Cadiz could have been three up in the first quarter of an hour as Ramos prevented Alvaro Negredo's finish from rolling in before Negredo created the opener.&nbsp;

His cushioned header put through Lozano, who skipped beyond Madrid's sleepy defence and poked over the onrushing Thibaut Courtois.&nbsp;

Madrid might have equalised in the second half as Vinicius Junior headed wide of an open goal and Karim Benzema rattled the crossbar with a long-range shot. But Cadiz were not overly troubled.&nbsp;

Getafe were never really hanging on either, even if Barcelona went close to an equaliser, Messi hitting the post and then driving a loose ball wide in injury-time. Antoine Griezmann also ballooned over when put through in the first half.&nbsp;

Getafe's Cucho Hernandez also hit the bar after a clumsy challenge from Frenkie de Jong on Djene Dakonham gave Mata his chance.

Earlier, Suarez partnered Diego Costa for the first time and scored as Atletico Madrid beat struggling Celta Vigo.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Like the mix' -</h2>

But the Suarez-Costa combination came to an early end as Costa was forced off injured in the second half.&nbsp;

"I liked the mix of the two," said Diego Simeone. "Their characteristics mean they can play together. They give us strength and presence and personality in the penalty area.&nbsp;It's one of the options the team has."

Sitting in the stands, Costa was seen with his face in his hands and he seems likely now to miss Atletico's Champions League opener at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Suarez had earlier finished off a sweeping move down the left before Yannick Carrasco made sure of the victory in injury-time, heading in after Joao Felix's effort came back off the crossbar.

There was also a debut for Lucas Torreira, the Uruguayan signed on loan from Arsenal, who was energetic and tidy in central midfield, despite feeling some cramp late on.

Atletico climb to fourth, two points behind Real Madrid and one ahead of Barcelona. Celta, meanwhile, have managed only one win from their first six games and sit 13th.&nbsp;

Real Madrid and Barcelona will each head into the Clasico next weekend on the back of a defeat after La Liga's two title favourites were punished for slack performances on Saturday.

Real Madrid and Barcelona will each head into the Clasico next weekend on the back of a defeat after La Liga's two title favourites were punished for slack performances on Saturday. Zinedine Zidane made four substitutions at half-time but could not spark a lethargic Madrid into life as his team fell 1-0 at home to newly-promoted Cadiz. Then two hours later on the opposite side of the city, Ronald Koeman tasted his first competitive loss as coach of Barcelona as they followed Madrid's example by being beaten 1-0 by Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Madrid's was perhaps the more concerning display, the reigning champions managing just two shots on target against Cadiz, who could have scored more after Anthony Lozano's early strike. But Barca were not much better, with Lionel Messi strangely quiet and the team failing to rebound after Jaime Mata's penalty gave Getafe the lead in the second half. For Madrid, there was an injury concern too as Sergio Ramos spent the second half in the stands with ice strapped around his left knee. Madrid said the injury was not serious but it puts in doubt Ramos' involvement in their first Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, as well the Clasico three days later. "Hopefully it's minor, said Zidane. "Tomorrow we'll see what he has done." A prolonged absence for Ramos would cap a deflating night for the champions, whose dreary display certainly hands an early boost to their title rivals. Even if Barcelona were unable to capitalise, Atletico Madrid had earlier beaten Celta Vigo 2-0, with Luis Suarez opening the scoring at Balaidos. - 'No excuses' - "There is no explanation," said Zidane. "If they scored two or three goals in the first half, we couldn't have complained. There are no excuses." This is Cadiz's first season in the top flight in 14 years and their first victory over Real Madrid in 29. Their reward is second place in the table, denied top spot by their opponents only due to goal difference. Isco, Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez were the other three players to be hauled off by Zidane, who was reacting to a particularly poor display from his side in the first half. Eder Militao, Casemiro, Fede Valverde and Marco Asensio came on while a surprised-looking Toni Kroos also departed in the second period, replaced by Luka Jovic. But Cadiz could have been three up in the first quarter of an hour as Ramos prevented Alvaro Negredo's finish from rolling in before Negredo created the opener. His cushioned header put through Lozano, who skipped beyond Madrid's sleepy defence and poked over the onrushing Thibaut Courtois. Madrid might have equalised in the second half as Vinicius Junior headed wide of an open goal and Karim Benzema rattled the crossbar with a long-range shot. But Cadiz were not overly troubled. Getafe were never really hanging on either, even if Barcelona went close to an equaliser, Messi hitting the post and then driving a loose ball wide in injury-time. Antoine Griezmann also ballooned over when put through in the first half. Getafe's Cucho Hernandez also hit the bar after a clumsy challenge from Frenkie de Jong on Djene Dakonham gave Mata his chance. Earlier, Suarez partnered Diego Costa for the first time and scored as Atletico Madrid beat struggling Celta Vigo. - 'Like the mix' - But the Suarez-Costa combination came to an early end as Costa was forced off injured in the second half. "I liked the mix of the two," said Diego Simeone. "Their characteristics mean they can play together. They give us strength and presence and personality in the penalty area. It's one of the options the team has." Sitting in the stands, Costa was seen with his face in his hands and he seems likely now to miss Atletico's Champions League opener at Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Suarez had earlier finished off a sweeping move down the left before Yannick Carrasco made sure of the victory in injury-time, heading in after Joao Felix's effort came back off the crossbar. There was also a debut for Lucas Torreira, the Uruguayan signed on loan from Arsenal, who was energetic and tidy in central midfield, despite feeling some cramp late on. Atletico climb to fourth, two points behind Real Madrid and one ahead of Barcelona. Celta, meanwhile, have managed only one win from their first six games and sit 13th.

Barcelona, Real Madrid both lose ahead of Clasico

Barcelona must weigh up the decision whether to rest Lionel Messi for Saturday's trip to Getafe ahead of a congested run of fixtures, while Real Madrid are still waiting on the return of Eden Hazard from injury.

Messi played the full 90 minutes in Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia during the international break, the second of which was played at altitude in La Paz.

The Barca captain has not missed a single minute for his club since football resumed in June following the coronavirus shutdown.

However, with seven games in the space of 21 days awaiting Barca, coach Ronald Koeman could elect to give Messi a breather before the start of the team's Champions League campaign. &nbsp;

Barca host Hungarian side Ferencvaros on Tuesday and then face sworn enemies Real Madrid four days later behind closed doors at the Camp Nou.

The Catalan club head to Italy for a Champions League clash with Juventus on October 28 before games against Alaves and Real Betis either side of the visit of Dynamo Kiev.

Leaders Madrid are unbeaten in La Liga since March, winning 13 of their past 15 games, and welcome Cadiz to the capital this weekend.

Zinedine Zidane could also opt to rotate some players but Thibaut Courtois, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior are in line to play after resting while others were away on international duty.

Courtois left the Belgium squad with a back injury and while he is fit to return, compatriot Hazard is not yet ready for action.

The 29-year-old has yet to feature this season having picked up a muscle injury as he worked his way back from an ankle problem.

He is also expected to miss next weekend's Clasico, but Courtois believes Hazard will come good after scoring just once in an injury-plagued first season in Spain.

"I have no doubt we are going to see the best of Hazard," Courtois told Cadena Ser radio.

"He is more desperate than anyone to show it. He's coming along well and&nbsp; hopefully soon he can prove it.

He added: "I am sure that in no time he will explode and will give many joys to the team."

Atletico Madrid visit Celta Vigo in their first game since the sale of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

Partey made 188 appearances for the Atletico and was part of the sides that reached the 2016 Champions League final and beat Arsenal on the way to winning the Europa League in 2018.

&nbsp;

<h2>One to watch:&nbsp;Oussama Idrissi</h2>

The Dutch-born Morocco international could make his Sevilla debut at Granada after joining the club on a five-year deal from AZ Alkmaar.

Idrissi, 24, scored 13 goals in 25 games in the Eredivisie last season before it was declared over in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Julen Lopetegui's Europa League winners are one of four undefeated teams in La Liga this term, with seven points from their first three matches.

<h2>Key stats</h2>

12 - goals scored by Sergio Ramos since the start of the 2019/20 season, more than any other defender in Europe's top five leagues.

250 - goals scored by Karim Benzema for Real Madrid. The Frenchman is only the fifth player to reach the mark in club history

&nbsp;

<h2>Fixtures</h2>

Saturday (all times GMT)

Granada v Sevilla (1100), Celta Vigo v Atletico Madrid (1400), Real Madrid v Cadiz (1630), Getafe v Barcelona (1900)

Sunday

Eibar v Osasuna (1000), Athletic Bilbao v Levante (1200), Villarreal v Valencia (1400), Alaves v Elche (1630), Huesca v Real Valladolid (1630), Real Betis v Real Sociedad (1900)

Barcelona must weigh up the decision whether to rest Lionel Messi for Saturday's trip to Getafe ahead of a congested run of fixtures, while Real Madrid are still waiting on the return of Eden Hazard from injury.

Barcelona must weigh up the decision whether to rest Lionel Messi for Saturday's trip to Getafe ahead of a congested run of fixtures, while Real Madrid are still waiting on the return of Eden Hazard from injury. Messi played the full 90 minutes in Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia during the international break, the second of which was played at altitude in La Paz. The Barca captain has not missed a single minute for his club since football resumed in June following the coronavirus shutdown. However, with seven games in the space of 21 days awaiting Barca, coach Ronald Koeman could elect to give Messi a breather before the start of the team's Champions League campaign. Barca host Hungarian side Ferencvaros on Tuesday and then face sworn enemies Real Madrid four days later behind closed doors at the Camp Nou. The Catalan club head to Italy for a Champions League clash with Juventus on October 28 before games against Alaves and Real Betis either side of the visit of Dynamo Kiev. Leaders Madrid are unbeaten in La Liga since March, winning 13 of their past 15 games, and welcome Cadiz to the capital this weekend. Zinedine Zidane could also opt to rotate some players but Thibaut Courtois, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior are in line to play after resting while others were away on international duty. Courtois left the Belgium squad with a back injury and while he is fit to return, compatriot Hazard is not yet ready for action. The 29-year-old has yet to feature this season having picked up a muscle injury as he worked his way back from an ankle problem. He is also expected to miss next weekend's Clasico, but Courtois believes Hazard will come good after scoring just once in an injury-plagued first season in Spain. "I have no doubt we are going to see the best of Hazard," Courtois told Cadena Ser radio. "He is more desperate than anyone to show it. He's coming along well and hopefully soon he can prove it. He added: "I am sure that in no time he will explode and will give many joys to the team." Atletico Madrid visit Celta Vigo in their first game since the sale of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey to Arsenal on transfer deadline day. Partey made 188 appearances for the Atletico and was part of the sides that reached the 2016 Champions League final and beat Arsenal on the way to winning the Europa League in 2018. One to watch: Oussama Idrissi The Dutch-born Morocco international could make his Sevilla debut at Granada after joining the club on a five-year deal from AZ Alkmaar. Idrissi, 24, scored 13 goals in 25 games in the Eredivisie last season before it was declared over in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Julen Lopetegui's Europa League winners are one of four undefeated teams in La Liga this term, with seven points from their first three matches. Key stats 12 - goals scored by Sergio Ramos since the start of the 2019/20 season, more than any other defender in Europe's top five leagues. 250 - goals scored by Karim Benzema for Real Madrid. The Frenchman is only the fifth player to reach the mark in club history Fixtures Saturday (all times GMT) Granada v Sevilla (1100), Celta Vigo v Atletico Madrid (1400), Real Madrid v Cadiz (1630), Getafe v Barcelona (1900) Sunday Eibar v Osasuna (1000), Athletic Bilbao v Levante (1200), Villarreal v Valencia (1400), Alaves v Elche (1630), Huesca v Real Valladolid (1630), Real Betis v Real Sociedad (1900)

Barca ponder Messi rest as Madrid continue to wait on Hazard

Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has revealed that he was reduced to tears by the Catalan giants' treatment to him in the final weeks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-rashford-tops-list-of-uk-honours-for-key-virus-workers-334253" hreflang="en">Footballer Rashford tops list of UK honours for key virus workers</a>

“Those days were very difficult. I cried because of what I was having to go through,” Suarez told the Uruguay national team’s official media after scoring in Thursday’s 2-1 win over Chile in a World Cup qualifier.

“I didn’t take the club’s message that they were looking for a solution for me in order to mix things up very well. I was hurt most of all by the way they did things, because one has to accept it when a cycle comes to an end.”

In six years as a Barca forward Suarez became third all-time top scorer with 198 goals he lifted four La Liga titles, four domestic cups and the 2015 Champions League with the Catalans before leaving for Atletico Madrid.&nbsp;

He was forced out with one year left on his contract after being told by new coach Ronald Koeman he was no longer in the team’s plans.&nbsp;

“Not everyone knows what happened but the worst thing was going to training and being sent to a different group from everyone else because I was not allowed to play in practice matches,” Suarez said.

“My wife could see how unhappy I was and she wanted to see me smile again and when the chance came to join Atletico I had no doubts.”

The striker, 33, gave a tearful farewell news conference the day before signing for Atletico while Lionel Messi, his old strike partner, hit out at the club’s treatment of the Uruguayan.

“I wasn’t surprised that Messi supported me publicly because I know him too well. He knew the pain I was going through, the feeling that I was being kicked out was what hurt me the most,” added Suarez.

“The way they did things was not right and Leo knows how me and my family suffered.”

Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has revealed that he was reduced to tears by the Catalan giants' treatment to him in the final weeks. Also read: Footballer Rashford tops list of UK honours for key virus workers “Those days were very difficult.

Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has revealed that he was reduced to tears by the Catalan giants' treatment to him in the final weeks. Also read: Footballer Rashford tops list of UK honours for key virus workers “Those days were very difficult. I cried because of what I was having to go through,” Suarez told the Uruguay national team’s official media after scoring in Thursday’s 2-1 win over Chile in a World Cup qualifier. “I didn’t take the club’s message that they were looking for a solution for me in order to mix things up very well. I was hurt most of all by the way they did things, because one has to accept it when a cycle comes to an end.” In six years as a Barca forward Suarez became third all-time top scorer with 198 goals he lifted four La Liga titles, four domestic cups and the 2015 Champions League with the Catalans before leaving for Atletico Madrid. He was forced out with one year left on his contract after being told by new coach Ronald Koeman he was no longer in the team’s plans. “Not everyone knows what happened but the worst thing was going to training and being sent to a different group from everyone else because I was not allowed to play in practice matches,” Suarez said. “My wife could see how unhappy I was and she wanted to see me smile again and when the chance came to join Atletico I had no doubts.” The striker, 33, gave a tearful farewell news conference the day before signing for Atletico while Lionel Messi, his old strike partner, hit out at the club’s treatment of the Uruguayan. “I wasn’t surprised that Messi supported me publicly because I know him too well. He knew the pain I was going through, the feeling that I was being kicked out was what hurt me the most,” added Suarez. “The way they did things was not right and Leo knows how me and my family suffered.”

'I cried': Luis Suarez over treatment in final days at Barcelona

The day before King Felipe VI's visited Barcelona, Catalan independence supporters burnt pictures of the Spanish head of state in a public square. Watch report.

Protests in Barcelona over King Felipe VI's visit: Demonstrators burn King's photos

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi has been the ideal captain and an example to the rest of the team for the way he has applied himself since deciding to stay at the club this season.

Messi gave an outstanding performance in Barca’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday after playing the whole second half with 10 men, crushing any fears that the Argentine might lack commitment after the club refused to let him leave.

“From day one Leo has trained and played well and has given the maximum for the club, for his team and for his team mates and I have had no complaints about him on any day,” Koeman said ahead of Barca’s La Liga game at home to Sevilla on Sunday.

“He proved himself once again the other day against Celta, he pulled his weight as a captain, he helped the team play the ball out from the back because it’s so important to keep the ball when you have one less player.

“There’s no debate, for me he has always been the best player in the world, I thought that before from the outside and I think it even more now I’m working with him. He’s fully committed, he’s an example to everyone as a captain should be.”

Koeman also praised the form of Philippe Coutinho, who has thrived since returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich, having flopped in his first two seasons with the Catalans after a club record move from Liverpool in 2018.

“Coutinho is a very good player, he has learned a lot in England and with Bayern and my job as a coach is to get the best out of each player and find their best role,” he said.

“A coach can help but it all starts with the quality of a player and Coutinho is a great footballer.”

The Dutchman also said Barca want to sign a striker and a centre back before the transfer window shuts, confirming their interest in Manchester City defender Eric Garcia.

“We would like to sign this player, we have four centre backs and we are short there. We know it’s difficult financially but I hope we can get it done,” Koeman said.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi has been the ideal captain and an example to the rest of the team for the way he has applied himself since deciding to stay at the club this season.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi has been the ideal captain and an example to the rest of the team for the way he has applied himself since deciding to stay at the club this season. Messi gave an outstanding performance in Barca’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday after playing the whole second half with 10 men, crushing any fears that the Argentine might lack commitment after the club refused to let him leave. “From day one Leo has trained and played well and has given the maximum for the club, for his team and for his team mates and I have had no complaints about him on any day,” Koeman said ahead of Barca’s La Liga game at home to Sevilla on Sunday. “He proved himself once again the other day against Celta, he pulled his weight as a captain, he helped the team play the ball out from the back because it’s so important to keep the ball when you have one less player. “There’s no debate, for me he has always been the best player in the world, I thought that before from the outside and I think it even more now I’m working with him. He’s fully committed, he’s an example to everyone as a captain should be.” Koeman also praised the form of Philippe Coutinho, who has thrived since returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich, having flopped in his first two seasons with the Catalans after a club record move from Liverpool in 2018. “Coutinho is a very good player, he has learned a lot in England and with Bayern and my job as a coach is to get the best out of each player and find their best role,” he said. “A coach can help but it all starts with the quality of a player and Coutinho is a great footballer.” The Dutchman also said Barca want to sign a striker and a centre back before the transfer window shuts, confirming their interest in Manchester City defender Eric Garcia. “We would like to sign this player, we have four centre backs and we are short there. We know it’s difficult financially but I hope we can get it done,” Koeman said.

Messi has given maximum since ending transfer saga, says Barca coach Koeman

Football fans are overjoyed as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other on the pitch after almost two years after Barcelona and Juventus were drawn into the Champions League 2020-21 Group G.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-says-he-wants-to-put-an-end-to-barcelona-feuding-331415" hreflang="en">Messi says he wants to 'put an end' to Barcelona feuding</a>

This is the first time Cristiano and Lionel will play each other in the group stage of the Champions League. .

Netizens took to Twitter to share their excitement for the match between the two legends.&nbsp;

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For the last time I would get to watch Messi vs C.Ronaldo play against each other one more time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/imBHSE4P15">pic.twitter.com/imBHSE4P15</a>
— Farouk Abimbola Abdulsalam (@Akanopeacemaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Akanopeacemaker/status/1311699057019158532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ronaldo and Messi both in Group G 
 
G for GOAT.. And you tell me this wasn’t planned ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cb7lihqZXF">pic.twitter.com/Cb7lihqZXF</a>
— Omo Grandma (@oluwaseyii01) <a href="https://twitter.com/oluwaseyii01/status/1311699036538368023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ronaldo and Messi in group G 
 
G for goat 
I see what you did there <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/O0UG8EJI5D">pic.twitter.com/O0UG8EJI5D</a>
— Alabi_Blacknd 🌚 (@temidayo_XO) <a href="https://twitter.com/temidayo_XO/status/1311698714310905857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Messi and Ronaldo to Dynamo Kiev goalkeeper <a href="https://t.co/jONwTfqaCV">pic.twitter.com/jONwTfqaCV</a>
— 🎥ernst (@ERNESTHDGAMERX) <a href="https://twitter.com/ERNESTHDGAMERX/status/1311699109078851589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The grand old men of football will face each other in the Champions League group stage for the first time. <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juventusfcen</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a>. Ronaldo v Messi. 👌🏻
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1311695761910964227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ronaldo and Messi in group 'G' because they are 'GOATS' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Wa7zhPL5G">pic.twitter.com/6Wa7zhPL5G</a>
— Unwanted Friend😒🌚 (@holardamolar) <a href="https://twitter.com/holardamolar/status/1311723394719780864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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When Messi and Ronaldo are drawn in the same Champions League group 🕺 <a href="https://t.co/cccZkOj8vp">pic.twitter.com/cccZkOj8vp</a>
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNUK/status/1311712993793769473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Barcelona and Juventus are drawn along with Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencvaros.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have faced each other several times in La Liga's prestigious El Clasico clash. However, the Real Madrid star left the club after Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus in 2018.

Football fans are overjoyed as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other on the pitch after almost two years after Barcelona and Juventus were drawn into the Champions League 2020-21 Group G.

Football fans are overjoyed as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other on the pitch after almost two years after Barcelona and Juventus were drawn into the Champions League 2020-21 Group G. Also read: Messi says he wants to 'put an end' to Barcelona feuding This is the first time Cristiano and Lionel will play each other in the group stage of the Champions League. . Netizens took to Twitter to share their excitement for the match between the two legends. For the last time I would get to watch Messi vs C.Ronaldo play against each other one more time #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/imBHSE4P15 — Farouk Abimbola Abdulsalam (@Akanopeacemaker) October 1, 2020 × Ronaldo and Messi both in Group G G for GOAT.. And you tell me this wasn’t planned ? #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/Cb7lihqZXF — Omo Grandma (@oluwaseyii01) October 1, 2020 × Ronaldo and Messi in group G G for goat I see what you did there #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/O0UG8EJI5D — Alabi_Blacknd 🌚 (@temidayo_XO) October 1, 2020 × Messi and Ronaldo to Dynamo Kiev goalkeeper pic.twitter.com/jONwTfqaCV — 🎥ernst (@ERNESTHDGAMERX) October 1, 2020 × The grand old men of football will face each other in the Champions League group stage for the first time. @juventusfcen v @FCBarcelona. Ronaldo v Messi. 👌🏻 — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 1, 2020 × Ronaldo and Messi in group 'G' because they are 'GOATS' #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/6Wa7zhPL5G — Unwanted Friend😒🌚 (@holardamolar) October 1, 2020 × When Messi and Ronaldo are drawn in the same Champions League group 🕺 pic.twitter.com/cccZkOj8vp — ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 1, 2020 × Barcelona and Juventus are drawn along with Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencvaros. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have faced each other several times in La Liga's prestigious El Clasico clash. However, the Real Madrid star left the club after Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus in 2018.

'G for Goat': Netizens react to Messi vs Ronaldo in Champions League

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